UP elections: Development a casualty as temple issue dominates in Ayodhya

AYODHYA: The Ram-janambhoomi issue looms so large in this semi-urban Assembly constituency that locals maintain they vote for the BJP time and again though they are well-aware that development has taken a backseat over the years in the temple town.

The area around the Ramjanambhoomi is always bustling with people, from nearby towns as well as far flung areas, who come to Ayodhya for a darshan of Lord Ram. The heavy posse of police personnel and high security has become de rigueur for the pilgrims, who patiently bear with the rigorous checks.

Amidst the regular hustle and bustle of this town which always seems to sport a festive look, the on-going elections seem to be just a speck with occasional discussions on the issue. Most feel it is the BJP which is going to win again.

"If the BJP loses even here then it would be a shame for the people," says Ramesh, a local youth.

Lallu Singh, the BJP candidate for this Assembly seat, has served five consecutive terms in the Vidhan Sabha since 1991 and is trying his luck again. People feel he may not have done much work, yet he is amiable and down-to-earth.

"Most MLAs hanker after gunners, security and a cavalcade of vehicles but not Lallu Singh," said a shopkeeper.

Giving an interesting twist to the contest here is eunuch, Gulshan Bindu, who is in the fray as an independent.

"He has been fielded by Congress President Sonia Gandhi to cut into my votes," Lallu Singh told PTI.

Bindu, a graduate according to locals, may get the votes of those unhappy with lack of development work in the constituency and the significance given to the temple issue which is again a part of the BJP manifesto in these polls.