Even as top BJP leaders have been visiting Gujarat and the opposition Congress struggling to hold on its flock together, speculations are rife that the state might see early elections.
Gujarat assembly polls are scheduled for end of the year.
The ruling BJP will attempt to hold on to power for the seventh time, on its own. After the party’s stupendous electoral performance in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been visiting the state frequently. Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat again in May.
Gujarat BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav has been holding meetings with party leaders, and party chief J.P. Nadda too is expected to be in Gujarat in the next few days.
Elections are normally not held during monsoon, and in Gujarat monsoon sets in around June 15. Speculations of early elections are because of the fact that even if dissolution of the assembly is announced in the next couple of days, there will still be 45 days for issuing the notification and completing the election.
The BJP would certainly like to take advantage of the situation as it is better placed than both the opposition Congress and new entrant Aam Aadmi Party.
Gujarat party chief C.R. Paatil has initiated an 'each day, one district' tour of 33 districts in the state. He has often reiterated that the BJP wants to break all electoral records in the state. The party wants to break the record of the Congress’ 149 seats achieved under the leadership of Madhavsinh Solanki in the mid-1980s.
The programmes of PM Modi in the state are arranged in such a manner that he is able to cover a cross section of the society.
The Congress, meanwhile, is unable to stop leaders from leaving the party. On Sunday, former MLA Manilal Vaghela joined the BJP, and another leader Kailash Ghadvi join the AAP.
Though the Congress also is organizing programmes in different parts of the state, there are clear signs that all is not well within the party. Congress working president Hardik Patel recently alleged that he is not allowed to function freely. He told THE WEEK that he had discussions with Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal. Patel said he is hopeful that a solution would be brought about.
Responding to a question on rumours about him joining the BJP, Patel said, “I have never given a statement that I am joining the BJP.” He, however, added that it is important for one to appreciate the strength of their opponents.
He did not rule out the possibility of BJP leaders coming to his home town Viramgam, near Ahmedabad, on April 28 on the occasion of his father’s first death anniversary. “My father had relations with all the parties. Such occasions are times when you call people and I have invited all,” he said.
Patel said he has visited hundreds of villages, but the party does not organise such programmes. “If I go on my own then I am told that you are not following the party line,” he said.
The Congress is also banking on the possibility of Leuva Patidar leader Naresh Patel joining the party. Naresh Patel said he met political leaders in New Delhi during a social function and that he would announce his decision soon. Naresh Patel, who heads Khodaldham Trust, has a considerable hold in Saurashtra region.
The AAP does not have the network like the BJP in the state. The Congress too struggles at the booth level and at times they do not have enough youth who can handle booths.
