By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) veteran leader Kashi Singh Airy has said the regional party is determined to bring about a change in Uttarakhand, expressing confidence that people are now looking for an alternative to the BJP and Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
“We are preparing for the elections with full commitment and seriousness. That is why we have announced our first list of candidates early,” Airy said.
Asked about the party’s expectations from voters this time, Airy said people were unhappy and disappointed with the incumbent government and wanted a change. “People want change. They are unhappy and dissatisfied with the government’s performance. We want to provide that alternative through the UKD,” he said.
Airy’s remarks came after the UKD announced its first list of 16 candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections, including Airy himself from the Pithoragarh constituency.
During the conversation, the veteran regional leader was also confronted with a question that has haunted the UKD for years: why have voters repeatedly preferred national parties over the regional outfit despite its leading role in the Uttarakhand statehood movement? Pointing out that regional parties have emerged as dominant political forces in states such as Jharkhand and Telangana, it was asked to Airy that the UKD had rarely made an emotional appeal to voters, reminding them of the sacrifices and struggles it made for the creation of Uttarakhand.
Airy maintained that the party had repeatedly appealed to the people but had not received the electoral response it deserved. However, he appeared hopeful that the situation would change this time. “Your question will be addressed this time,” he said expressing confidence that the UKD would perform better in the coming elections.
The UKD, which played a leading role in the movement for Uttarakhand’s statehood, has struggled to translate its historical legacy into electoral success since the state was created in 2000. The party has remained on the margins of state politics even as the BJP and Congress have dominated successive Assembly elections.
UKD’s early announcement of candidates appears to be part of the party’s attempt to demonstrate organisational preparedness and regain its political relevance ahead of the crucial electoral battle.
Prominent candidates whose candidatures were announced in the first list include Pushpesh Pant from Dwarahaat and Ashish Negi from Karanprayag.