With a few weeks remaining for the Gujarat assembly elections, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress are busy chalking out strategy and preparing list of candidates. The saffron party, for which it is a battle of prestige, is expected to face a tough fight by a rejuvenated Congress after OBC leader Alpesh Thakore joined the opposition bloc and Patel stir leader Hardik Patel and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani made it clear that they are anti-BJP.
Jitu Vaghani | Facebook
For BJP state president Jitu Vaghani, the assembly elections slated for December is an acid test. The 47-year-old first time MLA, took over the president post after Vijay Rupani became the chief minister. Vaghani, who had lost the 2007 assembly election, won from Bhavnagar (West) in 2012.
The Gujarat BJP chief, amid hectic campaigning and party meets, takes time out to talk to THE WEEK. Excerpts from the interview:
How many seats the BJP would win?
The BJP will win 150 seats.
On what basis do you say this?
In the last Lok Sabha elections, if we take into account assembly segments, we were ahead in 165 seats. Developmental works have taken place under all successive chief ministers of Gujarat. (BJP national president) Amit Shah, a meticulous planner, is our asset.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has been getting good response in Gujarat. Your comments.
It is not a big thing. In Congress there is no leader bigger than Rahul Gandhi. So, if at a programme people gather from five districts, it is no great strength.
There have been protests during the BJP's Gujarat Gaurav Yatra. Chairs remained empty at many places.
These are failed attempts by the Congress and others. They cannot see our success.
What are the challenges before the BJP?
There are no challenges as such. The challenge is to live up to the expectations of people. It reflects in people's love for us.
Many MLAs, facing anti-incumbency, are unlikely to be fielded again. Your views.
It will be decided by the Central Parliamentary Board.
The BJP has always criticised the Congress for not announcing the chief ministerial candidate. Who is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate?
We are jointly fighting the elections. Lotus is important. (After repeatedly asking, Vaghani replies) Rupani is the chief ministerial candidate.
