Without specifying his next destination, former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela on Wednesday said he would work for the overthrow of the Modi-Government by forging an anti-BJP ‘ Mahagadhbandhan’ in the country. He described the 2019 contest as “PM of India versus People of India” and predicted that NDA vote share will slide by at least five to ten per cent.
Calling for regional tie-ups in different states to defeat the BJP-led NDA, the mercurial leader said in 2019 there could be a non-BJP Government at the Centre backed by the parties of different shades and ideologies.
Claiming that the next Lok Sabha poll would not be a repeat of 2014 when BJP collected 31 per cent of vote share in the backdrop of UPA’s sliding performance at the Centre , the former Chief Minister anticipated 5 to ten per cent reduction in NDA’s vote share in 2019.
He said state-wise poll tie-ups would finally throw up a united Opposition Government like that was headed by VP Singh who emerged as a leader following Bofors controversy . “ Let Us see what Rafale deal leads to ..?” , he said.
Asked whether he was with the Congress or the NCP, Vaghela said “ I am anti-BJP” adding that he would reveal his plan in time. He skirted a query as why he has been described by some as the B-team of the BJP.
The former Congress and BJP leader and one-time mentor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at the latter for “not fulfilling his poll promises”. Asked what factors like unemployment, demonetisation or price-rise could give the main setback to the BJP in the LS poll, he said “ The single factor is Modi’s jumlebaji”.
“It is distressing to notice that popular attention is being sought to be diverted from total failure of the BJP Government on basic issues confronting the nation like education, health,
employment, soaring prices, national security, individual and human rights by propagating issues like ,’Gai, Ganga, Dadri, Babri and love Jihad’, he said
“When in the Opposition, the falling value of the rupee was equated with plummeting national prestige.What about now? Why is the Prime Minister silent now? “, Vaghela asked.
He alleged the prime Minister “is once again using his formulae of marketing via repackaging of schemes rather than any real on-ground substantial growth or development.
This BJP Government is all about marketing and packaging but not products”, said the political leader from Prime Minister’s home state.