After keeping a low profile for over 10 months since the Gujarat elections, former chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela is back in action. And he is looking for partners.
The veteran politician, who had served in both the BJP and the Congress, and had even floated his own outfit in Gujarat, has now called for an opposition unity to defeat the BJP. He attacked the Narendra Modi government for “failing on all fronts”, while questioning RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cosying up to the government. By attacking both Modi and Bhagwat, Vaghela has sent out a message about his latest priorities.
Last year, just before the Gujarat elections, he had resigned from Congress and floated his own front to contest elections. His action was seen as an attempt to divide the opposition votes and help the BJP. Though he could not win any seat, his son Mahendrasinh Vaghela joined the BJP a few months later. Mahendra, as an MLA, had also voted against Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Ahmed Patel.
Now, Shankarsinh Vaghela's press conference in Delhi on Wednesday came as a surprise. He evaded questions on his joining any political party, but hinted that he was open if an invite came from any side. He also suggested that he would help in bringing about the opposition unity to take on Modi in 2019 elections.
“Modi government had made huge promises in 2014, but did not fulfill any. It talked about transparency, but what happened in Rafale deal? The government should bring a white paper in the allegations of wrongdoings in the deal,” Vaghela said.
“The next fight will be between people of India versus PM of India. I don't know what came out of the Bofors allegations, but the episode led V.P. Singh to become the prime minister with the support of both the BJP and the left parties. A similar thing may happen during the Rafale deal,” the 78-year-old leader said.
Accusing the BJP of polarisation politics, Vaghela said even though the opposition parties may contest against each other during the assembly elections, they should come together as one to counter Modi in the Lok Sabha polls.
“I am in touch with everyone. I will act as a bridge between anti-BJP forces,” Vaghela said.
It is yet to be seen who will respond to his call. But Vaghela has made it clear that he is looking for a role.
