Political heat would soar further in the poll-bound Gujarat on its 58th Foundation Day to be celebrated on May 1 as on one hand Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will be busy with the State-level function at Ahmedabad and on the other hand All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice-president will address a huge rally in tribal dominated Dediyapada in South Gujarat.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had set a new trend to hold State-level functions on Republic Day, Gujarat Day and Independence Day at different districts rather than holding it at the State capital Gandhinagar since 2005. Going with the new tradition, Rupani Government has kept this year’s Gujarat Day celebrations at Ahmedabad.
On the day, Gujarat CM would dedicate projects worth Rs101 crore to the people of Ahmedabad district in a series of functions. He and his Cabinet colleagues would not only project his Government’s achievements but also Central Government’s feat during the last three years.
Since 2017 is the election year in the State, political remarks from BJP leaders and Ministers are expected during the functions on Gujarat Day, especially when the top leader of the rival party will also be camping in the State on the same day. There would be a tug-of-war between the two major parties to draw attention of the people in order to win maximum seats in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Strategically, Rahul Gandhi’s visit has been kept on the Gujarat Day in the tribal dominated area when the entire State Government machinery would be busy in Ahmedabad to make the state level function successful.
“Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee had initiated a month-long drive to educate tribals on their rights. To mark the conclusion of this campaign, Rahul Gandhi will address a mega rally at Dediapada in Narmada District,” said Manish Doshi, spokesman of Gujarat Congress.
Interestingly, Gujarat BJP too had organised a 15-day long ‘Trial Development March’ under the leadership of the State BJP president Jitu Vaghani. Besides, PM too made it a point to address a huge rally in tribal dominated Tapi district on April 17 during his visit to his home State.
Tribal belt of Gujarat right from Sabarkantha in North Gujarat up to Maharashtra border in South Gujarat including parts of Central Gujarat is politically important as it comprises nearly 15 per cent of the State’s population and would impact more than 50 Constituencies.