7 years ago
The stakes are high in latest election battle being fought in Gujarat. The two major parties in the fray, the BJP and the Congress, have been campaigning aggressively, aiming not only to retain power in their own states but also to ride an anti-incumbency wave in the other. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat has been the prime focus of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi as he hopes to defeat BJP, which has been in power in Gujarat for the last 22 years. Mr Gandhi is being supported byHardik Patel and his Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). PM Modi, who has visited the state almost 10 times ahead of the polls will hold roadshows in major cities staring November 18.
Voting in Gujarat will take place in two phases, on December 9 and 14 for all of the 182-seat Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Counting of votes in both states will be held on December 18.
Voting in Gujarat will take place in two phases, on December 9 and 14 for all of the 182-seat Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Counting of votes in both states will be held on December 18.
Here are live updates in our coverage of the Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat elections:
Here are glimpses of the Sanand rally. Sanand and surrounding regions were ignored by successive Congress governments. BJP devoted resources towards this region and the development here is for all to see. pic.twitter.com/uCxW5AOp9m
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2017
PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Addressed a rally in Palanpur. Focussed on development initiatives of BJP Governments in Gujarat. Banaskantha has distinguished itself as an agriculture hub, particularly potato cultivation, in the last decade."
PM Narendra Modi at the Palanpur rally, Gujarat
Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat campaign today will begin with a visit to the Ranchhodji Mandir .
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Ranchhodji Mandir, Dakor, Shamlaji Mandir, Aravali, Deodar and Kalol today. #NavsarjanWithCongress pic.twitter.com/s76vqkcnjl
- Congress (@INCIndia) December 10, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address meetings and rallies at Palanpur, Sanand, Kalol and Vadodara in Gujarat today.
Ahead Of Cuclone Ockhi's Landfall In Gujarat, PM Modi Attacks Congress Over Handling Of Natural CalamitiesAsserting that the BJP governments at Centre and Gujarat are prepared to tackle the situation when Cyclone Ockhi makes a landfall on state's coast today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took a jibe at the Congress over its "inefficient handling" of natural calamities in the past.
Congress Accuses BJP Of Violence After 3 Leaders Are Detained In GujaratAfter three Congress leaders were detained by the Gujarat police on Saturday night, the Congress accused the BJP of indulging in violence against its candidates in Gujarat and urged the Election Commission to initiate action.
PM Narendra Modi's 'Aurangzeb Raj' Dig As Rahul Gandhi Set To Become Congress Chief
As Rahul Gandhi filed nomination papers for the post of Congress president in Delhi surrounded by fawning party leaders, PM Modi took a dig at him in Gujarat's Valsad, where he addressed an election rally this morning.
As Rahul Gandhi filed nomination papers for the post of Congress president in Delhi surrounded by fawning party leaders, PM Modi took a dig at him in Gujarat's Valsad, where he addressed an election rally this morning.
PM Modi addresses a rally in Bhavnagar:- I fail to understand why is the Congress once again doing what it always did in the past- divide people, be it on caste lines, communal lines, between villages and cities. Congress has learnt 'divide and rule' from our colonial rulers rather well
- Gujarat has grown due to the power of Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana
- The people of UP know the Congress and their leadership well. And see how they have rejected Congress repeatedly
- Congress has a very 'able' lawyer in Kapil Sibal. He is always handling all the indefensible and wrong matters. In 2007 he came to Viramgam and said after the results are out Modi will be in Jail. He was very powerful in that government
- I am seing videos of Congress supporters saying, vote for Congress on 9th and 14th and then we will do 'Dadagiri' for 5 years. This is not the Gujarat that the people desire
- I appeal to the Congress to stick to the truth. The people of Gujarat do not like poll time lollipops and false promises of the Congress
PM Modi addresses a rally in Gujarat's Dharampur:
- I have spent many years of my life in Gujarat's tribal stretch, worked among tribal communities. Congress can't either tolerate or accept leaders from Gujarat. They have always defamed Gujarat
- I congratulate the Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj.' For us, the well being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command
- Mani Shankar Aiyar said that 'did elections happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shahjahan came, was any election held? After Shahjahan it was understood Aurangzeb will be the leader'. So Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule
- Why has the Congress stopped saying BJP is anti-Muslim? Earlier, they would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing in this election, where they are going. Unfortunately for them, Muslims know their real nature
- Each and every person who has looted the poor, I want to tell them- I am not scared of you, will return everything that belongs to the poor
Surat's large non-Gujarati population, mainly textile traders and workers from UP, Bihar and Rajasthan who control the power-loom industry, are also seen as being divided over supporting the ruling party. The migrants comprise nearly 26% of Surat's 44.26 lakh population.
Surat, Gujarat's commercial capital and its second largest city, is politically high-profile. In 2012, BJP won 15 of Surat's 16 seats, one went to Congress. In December 2015 -- a few months after Hardik Patel started his quota agitation -- the Congress more than doubled its seats in the civic elections, although the BJP won the corporation.
The BJP won 28 of the 35 seats in South Gujarat in 2012. But the party is seen as worried over the challenge posed by the Patidar community, traditional BJP voters who have turned against the state government. The vast Saurashtra region has large sections of the Patidars who have been demanding quota in jobs and education.
Tomorrow, PM Modi is scheduled to address rallies at Dharampur in Valsad, followed by Bhavnagar and Junagadh, and then Jamnagar in Saurashtra. The seven rallies have been pitched by the ruling BJP as "Vikas Rallies". Eighty-nine seats of south Gujarat and Saurashtra vote in the first phase of the assembly polls on Saturday.
The BJP had won 28 of South Gujarat's 35 seats in 2012.
The Congress, which won six, is hoping to make major gains in the area after it came to an understanding with Hardik Patel, the face of Patidar agitation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested a repeat in assembly polls in Gujarat where his party, the BJP, has ruled for 22 straight years.
"We saw what happened there in the local elections. Congress was wiped out. UP knows the Congress well and so does Gujarat," PM Modi said at a rally in Bharuch.
Attacking Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says if you don't have democracy in your own house (party), how can you practise it in the country, reported news agency PTI.
At the Bharuch Rally, PM Modi attacks Congress, says Congress wants to divide society on caste, creed and religion, reported news agency PTI.
Vijay Rupani at the Surat rally as part of his campaign for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly election.
PM Modi Addresses Supporters In Palitana
"BJP governments have always cared for our hardworking farmers. From ensuring water availability to initiating a mass movement for water conservation, from soil health cards to PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, we are always thinking about the well being of our anna datas," PM Modi said.
PM Modi addresses at a public rally in Palitana:
- Do you remember the water shortage in the region? This is because the Congress controlled the tanker business. It suited them to have this shortage. The BJP has changed this in the last 22 years. We have made the tanker industry irrelevant
- If the Congress was in power the Narmada waters would never come here and the farmers would have been disadvantaged. Congress has tried everything possible to delay the project
- When I was Chief Minister I would plead to the Congress, even Congress leaders in Gujarat that let us get the Narmada project moving, let us help our farmers. But, the Congress was not interested
- We have the legacy of Fakir Gandhi - the great Mahatma. They have the legacy of royalty. They were born with all privileges and are disconnected with the roots
- They hate development, they hate Gujarat, they hate Modi and now they hate sweat also. That is because they have never had to sweat it out in life and work hard. They are mocking everyone who works hard. This is their mindset. Such hatred for the poor is shocking
People, We're Looking Desperate In Gujarat: Shatrugan Sinha To BJP
On Twitter, Shatrugan Sinha posted, "By pumping in so many leaders at the same time in our own state Gujarat, like we did in Delhi, aren't we showing signs of panic & desperation in anticipation...generally speaking this kind of strategy doesnt work...we've seen it in Delhi & Bihar. Nonetheless our best wishes..!!"
On Twitter, Shatrugan Sinha posted, "By pumping in so many leaders at the same time in our own state Gujarat, like we did in Delhi, aren't we showing signs of panic & desperation in anticipation...generally speaking this kind of strategy doesnt work...we've seen it in Delhi & Bihar. Nonetheless our best wishes..!!"
Rahul Gandhi holds a public meeting at Visavadar in Gujarat.
Hardik Patel's Show of Strength 30 km Away From PM Modi Rally In Gujarat
Hardik Patel strategically timed his Morbi tour to coincide with the Prime Minister's rally. A comparison of the audiences the two rallies drew was expected after reports of a sub-par turnout for the Prime Minister's public meetings in Saurashtra on Monday.
Hardik Patel strategically timed his Morbi tour to coincide with the Prime Minister's rally. A comparison of the audiences the two rallies drew was expected after reports of a sub-par turnout for the Prime Minister's public meetings in Saurashtra on Monday.
Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Somnath Temple in Gujarat
PM Modi addresses a public meeting in Prachi:
- This is my second day of campaigning for the Gujarat elections. I have travelled to Saurashtra and South Gujarat. The enthusiasm is remarkable. I can see so many women who have come to bless us
- If there was no Sardar Patel, the temple in Somnath would never have been possible. Today some people are remembering Somanth, I have to ask them- have you forgotten your history? Your family members, our first PM was not happy with the idea of a temple being built there
- When Dr. Rajendra Prasad was to come to inaugurate the Somnath Temple, Pandit Nehru expressed his displeasure on that. Sardar Patel dreamt about the Narmada but your family did not let that dream fulfil
- Congress is seeking votes of the OBC communities but they should answer why they did not allow OBC Commission to get Constitutional Status for all these years.
- I want to assure you- Congress may try to throw any roadblocks, I am committed to ensure their designs fail.
- My remaining in power is bad news for those who have looted the nation for 70 long years
- I want to ask the Congress. What is it that you have against our army? The demand for OROP was pending for forty long years. Why did successive Congress governments do nothing about that
- When elections were approaching, they announced a meagre Rs. 500 crore for OROP when the real requirement was a lot higher. This was misleading of the highest order
- There is a Government in Delhi that is for the poor. It is working continuously for the poor
- Our Sagarmala and Bharatmala project will transform the coastal economy and benefit people living on our coasts
It's PM Narendra Modi vs Hardik Patel In Patidar Stronghold Morbi: 10 Points
Hardik has been drawing massive crowds in the region and has pledged support to the Congress in his stated mission of ensuring a loss for the BJP, which is in power in Gujarat for the last 22 years.
Hardik has been drawing massive crowds in the region and has pledged support to the Congress in his stated mission of ensuring a loss for the BJP, which is in power in Gujarat for the last 22 years.
Indira-Ben Held Her Nose In Morbi, Says PM Attacking Congress In Gujarat
Continuing his claim that the opposition Congress is anti-Gujarat, the PM said, "When Indira-ben came to Morbi, she held a handkerchief to her nose against a foul smell."
Continuing his claim that the opposition Congress is anti-Gujarat, the PM said, "When Indira-ben came to Morbi, she held a handkerchief to her nose against a foul smell."
PM Modi addresses rally in Morbi:
- In good and bad times, the Jan Sangh and the BJP have stood with the people of Morbi
- For us, what matters is the well-being of people
- Even when we were not in power we were with the people of Morbi and serving society
- The main issue in Kutch and Saurashtra when we came to power was water shortage. Lack of adequate water was affecting society.
- For Congress, 'development' was giving hand pumps. For BJP, it is SAUNI Yojana and large pipelines that carry Narmada waters.
- In Gujarat we initiated a mass movement to conserve every drop of water. This is because we understand the adverse impact of lack of water
- Through the SAUNI Yojana, we built huge pipelines. Dams in Saurashtra are being filled due to SAUNI Yojana. But, I do not think the Congress can see all this.
- We worked to improve the water situation but we did not stop there. BJP Government brought in soil health card which has proven extremely beneficial for the farmers.
- Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, there is an effort to help farmers in value addition and earn more.
- When you vote, vote for development only. The people of Gujarat have one of their own sitting in Delhi, who is always working for the well-being of Gujarat.
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017: 'They Called Gujaratis Donkeys' Says PM Narendra Modi in SuratPrime Minister Narendra Modi talked about "Congress' historical disdain for Gujarat," saying both Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai were humiliated, in a tweet.
He also referred to a comment that was made before the Uttar Pradesh elections, where the Prime Minister said, "the people who once called the Gujaratis donkeys, now have to bow at their feet".
Congress "Clapped" When Hafiz Saeed Was Released, Says PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi used his election rallies in Gujarat today for a strong comeback to Rahul Gandhi's weekend tweet on "hugplomacy," accusing the Congress of celebrating the release in Pakistan of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He also asked the Congress vice president why he had hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Doklam standoff earlier this year".
The Congress has released its final list of 14 candidates on the last day of filing of nominations for the second phase of Gujarat polls, leaving two seats for allies and supporting dalit leader Jignesh Mevani who is contesting as an Independent from Vadgam.
While the party has dropped four of its sitting MLAs, it has fielded OBC leader Alpesh Zala (Thakor), popularly known as Alpesh Thakor, in Radhanpur constituency.
Radhanpur is a bastion of the Thakor community and currently held by the BJP. Mr Thakor recently joined the Congress in the presence of party vice president Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress left two seats for ally Bharatiya Tribal Party headed by former JD (U) MLA Chhotubhai Vasava.
Young Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani has said he will contest next month's Gujarat assembly elections as an Independent candidate from Vadgam in north Gujarat, a seat reserved for scheduled caste (SC) candidates.
Mr Mevani, 35, announced his decision to contest in a Facebook post this morning, also requesting the Congress not to field a candidate from Vadgam, so that he can make it a direct contest with the ruling BJP. "We need to expose the 22-year-old misrule of the BJP and hence should be a direct fight between me and the BJP. Request other political parties and independents to withdraw so that it's a direct contest,'' he wrote.
The Prime Minister compared the previous Congress government's response to the 26/11 attack to his own government's response to the attack by Pakistani terrorists on a military base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri last year, which provoked surgical strikes by India.
"India was attacked on 26/11 and in Uri. You can see how India responded in the wake of both attacks. This explains the difference between their government and ours," he said, adding, "They killed our soldiers in Uri, our soldiers went inside their territory, conducted a surgical strike and came back. The next day a newspaper said they (in Pakistan) carried bodies in trucks."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his election rallies in Gujarat today for a strong comeback to Rahul Gandhi's weekend tweet on "hugplomacy," accusing the Congress of celebrating the release in Pakistan of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He also asked the Congress vice president why he had hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Doklam standoff earlier this year.
"You are happy to hug Chinese ambassador, you are clapping on the release of Hafiz Saeed, you cannot respect Indian Army's surgical strike. But why did you speak up about it? You could have just remained silent," said the Prime Minister in a sharp attack.
PM Narendra Modi addresses a public gathering in Dhari:
- The BJP Government in Gujarat got dairies to Saurashtra
- Amreli is emerging as a hub for dairy and cooperative sectors over the last two decades
- Amreli district is on the coast and it is the BJP Government in Gujarat that worked on harnessing the coastal strengths of this district. We focussed on the blue economy
- Our efforts against corruption have naturally troubled the Congress
PM Narendra Modi addresses a public gathering in Rajkot:
- A new party came up in Delhi, whose style is to keep abusing and running away
- I thought the Congress, being an older party would not indulge in such politics but they have also taken this short cut in the past two months and only hurled abuses and lies
- When we started bringing the waters of the Narmada here to Saurashtra, there were people who were mocking us
- Their negative politics has not changed over the years. Our faith is in politics of development and good governance
- I request the Congress not to mock the poor and my poor origins
- We have served Gujarat without any discrimination. Our belief is in the Mantra of 'Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas'
- Pitting one caste against the other is Congress' tendency. Make sure that you do not let them destroy the composite culture of Gujarat
After kicking off his poll campaign in Kutch, PM Narendra Modi has reached Jasdan in Rajkot to address another public rally.
PM Narendra Modi Addresses a public gathering in Bhuj:
- On one side there is 'Vikas' and 'Vishwas' while on the other side there is 'Vanshwad'.
- Gujarat will never forgive the Congress Party and this has been the case for long. Congress has never liked Gujarat, has always preferred to see it lag behind.The mis-governance of the Congress adversely impacted Kutch.
- After the Kutch earthquake Atal Ji asked me to go to Gujarat. On taking over, I spent considerable time in Kutch and learnt what administration is about. You can say that my training happened here in Kutch.
- 'Gujarat is my Aatma, Bharat is my Parmatma.' This land of Gujarat has cared for me, Gujarat has given me strength.
- I have the good fortune of knowing every part of Gujarat well.
- People from the nation are coming here to enjoy the Rann Utsav.
- We are not here for power, we are here for 125 crore Indians. We want to take India to new heights of glory.
Tea In NaMo Cups, Mann ki Baat: Amit Shah's Date With Notorious Daryapur
Along with BJP workers, Amit Shah sat at Tambu Chowki, the central market of Daryapur. Tea was distributed in special paper cups carrying the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Along with BJP workers, Amit Shah sat at Tambu Chowki, the central market of Daryapur. Tea was distributed in special paper cups carrying the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gujarat Poll Commission Takes Note Of Archbishop's Letter, Sends Notice
Election Commission in Gujarat has sent notice to the Archbishop of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, for his letter which spoke repeatedly against what he called "nationalist forces" -- seen as a reference to the state's ruling BJP. The letter, addressed to senior churchmen, said their prayers can "save our country from nationalist forces".
Election Commission in Gujarat has sent notice to the Archbishop of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, for his letter which spoke repeatedly against what he called "nationalist forces" -- seen as a reference to the state's ruling BJP. The letter, addressed to senior churchmen, said their prayers can "save our country from nationalist forces".
For Amit Shah And Ministers, "Mann Ki Baat" Over Tea In Gujarat: 10 Facts
Top leaders and union ministers, led by BJP chief Amit Shah, were seen sitting with cups of tea to hear PM Modi's address.
Top leaders and union ministers, led by BJP chief Amit Shah, were seen sitting with cups of tea to hear PM Modi's address.
BJP National President Amit Shah attended the PM Modi's Mann ki Baat programme in Dariyapur, which is considered a "sensitive area", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was in Sabarmati. Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was present in Gandhiji's Porbandar while Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani was present in Junagarh. Paresh Rawal, who put out a "bar-wala" tweet in response to the "chai-wala" meme, listened to the programme in Rajkot.
BJP Chief Amit Shah at 'Mann ki Baat - Chai Ke Saath' program in Ahmedabad
While addressing the Khedut Adhikar Sabha in Bayad today, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Gujarat development model, one of the highlights of PM Modi's campaign during Lok Sabha elections, and talked about various issues in the state, including the healthcare facilities.
On the second of his two-day Gujarat visit, Rahul Gandhi met the people of Bayad, Aravalli, today and discussed their concerns. 
Rahul Gandhi raised the poll pitch ahead of the Gujarat assembly election as he addressed a rally in Dehgam, Gandhinagar today. Speaking in Gandhinagar, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attacked BJP President Amit Shah and the ruling party today over the delay in the winter session in parliament. "This time (parliament) session will be held after Gujarat elections. Do you know the reason?" he asked and added, "Amit Shah's son converted Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore." He was referring to a story by a web portal that claimed that the turnover of a company owned by Jay Shah grew exponentially from Rs 50,000 to Rs 8 crore after the BJP assumed power at the centre in 2014.
Renewing attack over Rafale deal, Mr Gandhi added, "Second, and a more important reason, is the Rafale deal. The entire procedure went on for the purchase of the planes and after all the discussions were over, Narendra Modi himself went to France to change the contract."
The Congress had recently raised questions over the Rafale deal inked in an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year, accusing the Modi-led BJP government of compromising on national interest and security while promoting "crony capitalism" and causing a loss to the public exchequer. As a part of the deal, 36 Rafale fighter jets were procured at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, PTI reported.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat days after the grand old party sealed a deal with Hardik Patel-led Patidar community. After he met the members of Dalit community on Friday, he is scheduled to visit Gandhinagar, Arvalli, Mahisagar and Dahod districts today and address several political rallies.
Amit Shah To Rahul Gandhi: Clear Stand On Kashmir, RohingyaBJP president Amit Shah today asked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to make his stand clear on Rohingya Muslim refugees as well as the issue of autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.
Gujarat Congress President Frustrated As He Can't Fight Election: BJP
BJP's national spokesperson Sambit Patra today said that Gujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki was "frustrated" as he cannot contest the assembly election.
Hitting back at Mr Solanki over his remark that BJP president Amit Shah was "furious" due to BJP's bleak poll prospects, Mr Patra said Solanki himself was a frustrated man.
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Navjot Sidhu Among Congress' Star CampaignersCongress president Sonia Gandhi, party vice president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh are among the party's star campaigners for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly election.
The party released a list of 40 campaigners yesterday, which includes OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who recently joined the Congress.
In Gujarat, 377 Candidates File Nominations For First PhaseA total of 377 candidates has filed their nominations for the first phase of the Gujarat assembly elections scheduled on December 9. The deadline for filing the nomination for the first phase covering 89 seats ended on Monday.
Battle Between Congress' Caste, Dynastic Politics And PM Modi's Development Agenda, Says Amit ShahBJP president Amit Shah today said the Gujarat election was not just a fight between two parties but a battle between Congress's casteism and dynastic rule and Prime Minster Narendra Modi's developmental politics.
Mr Shah also took a jibe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying his visits to Gujarat had increased as he thought the state was a "tourist spot".
The opposition's attacks on the government over a delay in the winter session of parliament today headlined sharp digs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dubbed him "Brahma the Creator", while Left leader Sitaram Yechury caustically referred to the "Gujarat model".
"Modi is Brahma. He is the creator... only he knows when parliament will be convened," Mr Kharge, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, told reporters here. Accusing the Prime Minister of "destroying" the temple of democracy on account of the Gujarat election next month, he added: "His first step (after becoming prime minister) was to touch the floor of parliament, now he shows no respect for it."
The BJP president said it was time for the people of Gujarat to decide if they would choose "casteism, dynastic rule, minority appeasement or the developmental politics and stability offered by the BJP".
BJP president Amit Shah today said the Gujarat election was not just a fight between two parties but a battle between Congress's casteism and dynastic rule and Prime Minster Narendra Modi's developmental politics.
Mr Shah also took a jibe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying his visits to Gujarat had increased as he thought the state was a "tourist spot".
"The Gujarat election 2017 is not just a fight between two parties or a fight for who will become the chief minister, but it is to decide if 'jativad' (casteism) and 'vanshvad' (dynastic rule) will win or Narendra Modi's 'vikasvad' (development politics)," Mr Shah.
Gujarat will vote on December 9 and 14. Results will be announced on December 18.
The powerful Patel community has so far loyally backed the BJP, in power in Gujarat for the last 22 years. In recent years it has complained about being deprived of job and education opportunities and has demanded reservations. Hardik Patel has vowed to ensure that the BJP's lack of support to the Patels' demands will cost the party.
Hardik Patel cancelled a press conference in Ahmedabad this morning that his closest aides had said he would hold. Yesterday he had cancelled a rally in Rajkot amid apparent chaos in his PAAS or Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti over a proposed seat-sharing deal with the Congress for next month's Gujarat elections.
Vijay Rupani Declares Assets Of Rs 9.08 Crore In Poll Nomination
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today declared assets of Rs 9.08 crore while filing his nomination for the prestigious Rajkot-West Assembly seat here. The Congress candidate from the seat, Indranil Rajyaguru, declared assets worth Rs 141.22 crore.
Hardik Patel Cancels Rally Amid Crisis Over Pact With CongressHardik Patel today cancelled a rally and went MIA as his group struggled with an apparent split in the ranks over a deal with the Congress for the Gujarat election next month. He was expected to announce the pact at the rally in Rajkot. Last night, clashes erupted hours after the Congress declared, after weeks of hard negotiations, that it had reached an understanding on a seat-sharing formula with Hardik Patel's PAAS or Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti. The 24-year-old Patidar campaign leader was not in the meeting with the Congress."
Vijay Rupani Files Nomination, Slams Congress
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today filed his nomination for the next month's polls. He attacked the Congress saying the opposition party has "outsourced" itself to three prominent activists in the state as it has "nothing" of its own.
Gujarat Assembly Polls 2017: Congress Releases First List Of Candidates For Gujarat PollsThe Congress today released the first list of its 77 candidates for the Gujarat Assembly election with senior leaders from the state Shaktisinh Gohil and Arjun Modhwadia getting tickets for the crucial election.
The Congress is locked in a bitter contest with the BJP in the state which has been under the saffron party's rule for over two decades.
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: BJP Workers Protest Choice Of CandidatesDisgruntled BJP workers held a protest at the party's state unit headquarters in Gandhinagar over the BJP's choice of candidates for next month's Gujarat polls."
Congress releases its first list of candidates for the Gujarat Assembly Elections
Congress has released a list of 77 candidates for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Some of the candidates are:
Indranil Rajyaguru contesting from Rajkot West
Amit Thummar contesting from Junagadh
Punjabhai Vansh contesting from Una
Pareshbhai Vansh contesting from Amreli
Arjunbhai Modhvadiya contesting from Porbandar
Mohanbhai D Patel contesting from Wadhwan
Shaktisinh Gohil contesting from Mandvi
Kiran Thakor contesting from Bharuch
Congress has released a list of 77 candidates for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Some of the candidates are:
Indranil Rajyaguru contesting from Rajkot West
Amit Thummar contesting from Junagadh
Punjabhai Vansh contesting from Una
Pareshbhai Vansh contesting from Amreli
Arjunbhai Modhvadiya contesting from Porbandar
Mohanbhai D Patel contesting from Wadhwan
Shaktisinh Gohil contesting from Mandvi
Kiran Thakor contesting from Bharuch
'Blessing In Disguise,' Says BJP Minister for Rahul Gandhi Gujarat Election Campaign
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat Assembly election campaign has come as a "blessing in disguise" since it offers an opportunity to judge "where each one of us stand".
Mr Singh, the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, said "the person who claims to be a prime minister in-waiting must allow himself to be exposed in toto before the people so that they know how safe or unsafe they are in his hands."
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Gujarat Assembly election campaign has come as a "blessing in disguise" since it offers an opportunity to judge "where each one of us stand".
Mr Singh, the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office, said "the person who claims to be a prime minister in-waiting must allow himself to be exposed in toto before the people so that they know how safe or unsafe they are in his hands."
Congress has reached an agreement with Hardik Patel in GujaratThe Congress has reached an agreement with Hardik Patel, with just three weeks to go for the Gujarat elections. Hardik Patel is leading the Patidar community's agitation for reservation in government jobs and education.
While both the Congress and Hardik Patel have reached a consensus on the reservation formula, the formal announcement on support will be made by Mr Patel tomorrow. However, it remains unclear as to how many people from Mr Patel's group will be contesting the election on the Congress' ticket.
Vijay Rupani calls on former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel to seek blessings, says news agency PTI
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani called on former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel to seek his blessings a day before filing his nomination papers for the Gujarat Assembly elections, according to news agency PTI.
Mr Patel had been replaced as chief minister by PM Narendra Modi in 2001. Mr Patel had later floated the Gujarat Parivartan Party, which was eventually dissolved when he rejoined the BJP.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani called on former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel to seek his blessings a day before filing his nomination papers for the Gujarat Assembly elections, according to news agency PTI.
Mr Patel had been replaced as chief minister by PM Narendra Modi in 2001. Mr Patel had later floated the Gujarat Parivartan Party, which was eventually dissolved when he rejoined the BJP.
Senior BJP leader IK Jadeja not given ticket ahead of Gujarat polls
Supporters of senior party leader IK Jadeja gathered at the BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar and raised slogans against the BJP for not giving him a ticket from the Wadhwan constituency in Saurashtra.
Supporters of senior party leader IK Jadeja gathered at the BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar and raised slogans against the BJP for not giving him a ticket from the Wadhwan constituency in Saurashtra.
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: Sharad Yadav's JD(U) Faction To Use Autorickshaw SymbolRajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav on Saturday said that his faction of the JD(U) will fight the Gujarat Assembly polls on the 'autorickshaw' symbol and in alliance with the Congress.
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: AAP's Kanu Kalsaria To Contest As An IndependentAccording to news agency PTI, AAP leader from Gujarat, Kanu Kalsaria, will contest the Gujarat elections from Mahuva constituency in Bhavnagar district. His main aim is to run against the "anti-farmer and anti-poor" BJP.
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: Manmohan Singh Praises Rahul Gandhi For Hard Work Before Assembly Polls In Himachal Pradesh, GujaratFormer Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praised Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his "hard work" in the run-up to the elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Dr Singh expressed hope for the Congress party to emerge victorious.
At the MS University of Baroda in Gujarat, a group of student activists affiliated with the Congress' National Students Union (NSUI) are planning their schedule for the day. Most are locals, but some young men have come in from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand as they usually do at election time. They have been tasked by the party to campaign door to door for next month's assembly elections, a big change, they say, from other elections.
Sources in the BJP, which has governed Gujarat for 22 years in a row, say that it plans to drop 35 of its 121 MLAs; among those who may be axed are six ministers, reportedly.
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: BJP Releases First List Of 70 Candidates, Vijay Rupani To Contest From Rajkot WestOf the 70 candidates, 18 are Patels, 16 OBCs, three SCs and 11 STs, party sources said. Elections for the 182-member Gujarat Assembly will be held over two phases on December 9 and 14.
The list of candidates was finalised by the BJP's Central Election Committee, which met in Delhi on Wednesday.
The meeting, chaired by BJP president Amit Shah, was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
