The Archbishop of Gandhinagar Thomas Macwan, has in a letter all but made a vote appeal without naming any political party or leader, but pointedly saying, "Nationalist forces are on the verge of taking over the country. The elections of Gujarat State Assembly can make a difference!" It is seen as a reference to the state's ruling party, the BJP. The Archbishop has said that his letter wasn't meant for the public and was "merely an appeal to pray."