The BJP’s national media chief Anil Baluni has taken on the challenge of winning in Garhwal (Pauri), Uttarakhand’s largest constituency. Spread over 1,000 sq. km. and home to important religious sites, including the Badrinath-Kedarnath temples, and Hemkund Sahib gurudwara, Mr. Baluni spoke to The Hindu’s Ishita Mishra about his campaign, in which he is promising “guaranteed development and jobs”. The article discusses the opposition’s allegation of Baluni being an ‘outsider’ and his response to it. He highlights the Congress’s opposition to Uttarakhand’s statehood and its impact on the people, as well as their attempts to finish the character of ‘Devbhoomi’. Baluni also addresses the issue of migration and his plans to check it. He talks about the challenges of connectivity and employment opportunities in the hills, and the initiatives taken by him and the government to address these challenges. The article also explores the difference in elections and the public’s enthusiasm for Narendra Modi. Baluni shares his views on the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, UCC as a pilot project, and the government’s willingness to make necessary changes. He explains why he chose a tough constituency despite being a cancer survivor and how he has connected with the public at the grassroots level. Overall, Baluni’s campaign is focused on religion and development to win in Garhwal, Pauri, Uttarakhand’s largest constituency.