Gujarat Assembly Election campaign updates: High-pitched campaign draws to end, final phase of polling on 14 Dec

EC to seek explanation from BJP candidate mocking model code

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will seek an explanation from BJP’s Jamalpur-Khadia candidate Bhushan Bhatt after a video of him telling party workers to not to care about the model code of conduct or the poll panel went viral.

A video of Bhatt, the son of late Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Gujarat Assembly Speaker Ashok Bhatt, showed him telling party BJP workers not to care about the poll code and that he doesn’t care about the poll code. Bhatt, who is the sitting legislator, is also telling his workers to take a token for motorbikes for a BJP rally and that they need not take personal vehicles

Paper trail has bolstered voters’ confidence: EC

Ahead of Gujarat’s second phase elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday said that 100 per cent deployment of VVPAT machines in the state has “bolstered the voters confidence” in the electoral process.

It added that “strict adherence to ECI’s stringent security and administrative protocols” leaves no room for any possibility of electoral malpractices.

Congress picks IIM-educated woman in BJP bastion Maninagar

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Ahmedabads Maninagar seat, a BJP bastion and constituency of Narendra Modi before he became the prime minister, is set for an interesting contest between the ruling party’s sitting MLA, Suresh Patel and Congress’ suave and foreign-educated young face Shweta Brahmbhatt. 

Brahmbhatt, 34, is perhaps the only candidate in this Assembly poll who has received training to be a politician, that too from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore.

However, it will not be easy for the Congress to take on the BJP in Maninagar, which houses the state headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Maninagar, the constituency where people have not seen a nail-biting finish in the elections, is considered as an unbreachable bastion of the BJP since 1990.

Undercurrent against BJP in Gujarat; results will be ‘zabardast’: Rahul Gandhi

There is “tremendous undercurrent” against the BJP in Gujarat, Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi claimed today, and predicted a victory for his party in the Assembly elections. 

“It is for the first time in an election that Modiji has not spoken about corruption…about farmers. There is (zabardast) tremendous undercurrent (against the BJP). Be it Patidars, OBCs, Dalits, farmers….all are angry. Public mood has undergone ‘zabardast’ change. “The Congress will win the election….the results will be ‘zabardast’,” a confident-looking Rahul said.

As campaigning hits end, PM Narendra Modi covered 28,119 kilometres across state

On last day of campaign, PM makes a splash with seaplane ride

A large number of common people and BJP workers gathered on the Sabarmati riverfront to greet the prime minister upon his arrival. A special floating platform was constructed on the river to facilitate the prime minister board the plane. 

“We cannot have airports everywhere, so our government has planned to have these seaplanes,” he said. However, Modi’s opponents had a different take on this. 

If only flying in a sea-plane could resolve the grave situation created by total mismanagement of the Economy... https://t.co/ZlVitcMxej

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) December 12, 2017

After weeks of campaigning, Rahul Gandhi returns Delhi amid rousing welcome

After weeks and weeks of campaigning in poll-bound Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi reached his residence 12 Tughlak Road amid a rousing welcome from party workers. Outgoing president Sonia Gandhi was also present. 

Delhi: Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi arrives at his residence 12, Tughlak Road; party workers celebrate outside. pic.twitter.com/1ymDLHyuOl

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

A 35-year-old journalist has become a thorn in the side of BJP: Jignesh Mewani’s barb on BJP

​Jignesh Mewani in a Facebook post said, “Since the Dalit outrage in the country, Jignesh has become a Dalit face across the country… if he wins, he can create a major disaster for BJP.”

Referring to himself in third person, Mewani says, “A 35-year-old journalist has become a thorn in the side of BJP.”

Congress thanks Patidar leader Mafatbhai Patel for support

आज पाटीदार समाज के नेता और शिक्षाविद, श्री मफतभाई पटेल जी का आशीर्वाद कांग्रेस पार्टी को मिला।
श्री पटेल ने कांग्रेस को गुजरात में अग्रिम जीत की शुभकामनाएँ भी दी। ऊनका दिल की गहराई से धन्यवाद। pic.twitter.com/0z94WLSFzs

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 12, 2017

Rahul Gandhi thanks Gujaratis for support and welcome

“Dear people of Gujarat, 

Namaskar. You gave me a lot of support, welcomed me and treated me with respect. You gave me and Congress your blessings, I will always be indebted to you for that. We will always be with you for the bright future of Gujarat.

Thank you Gujarat”

સ્નેહી ગુજરાતી જન,
નમસ્કાર. તમે મને ખૂબ સાથ આપ્યો, આવકાર આપ્યો અને પ્રેમપૂર્વક આદર કર્યો. આપે મને અને કૉંગ્રેસ ને આશિર્વાદ આપ્યાં, એ બદલ આપનો હંમેશા ઋણી રહીશ. ગુજરાતના ઉજ્જવળ ભવિષ્ય માટે હું હંમેશાં તમારી પડખે રહીશ.
Thank you ગુજરાત.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2017

After Congress’ ‘hawa hawai’ attack, Narendra Modi defends his seaplane ride

One of the highlights on the final day of Gujarat election was prime minister Narendra Modi’s seaplane ride between Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati riverfront and Dharoi Dam, and the controversy it stirred thereafter.

While the Congress called the prime ministers seaplane ride a diversionary tactic, PAAS leader Hardik Patel questioned whether the aircrafts were made in India. However, Modi later tweeted on the issue highlighting the seaplane’s benefits. The prime minister, however, did not name any of his Opponents in his tweets. 

Earlier today, I travelled on a sea plane from Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati River to Dharoi Dam, taking off and landing on water. This experience was unique. It adds strength to our resolve to harness waterways for India’s progress. pic.twitter.com/mkosy9OteJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

Effective use of waterways augurs well for tourism. Places like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, our vibrant North East, places with many water bodies, big dams, waterways will benefit with usage of sea planes. More tourism also brings greater economic opportunities. pic.twitter.com/BuIqRAupYs

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

Sea plane services can also be helpful during times of medical emergencies. Those needing even quicker access to medical care and those living in remote areas stand to gain a lot.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

Moments before Gujarat campaign ends, Narendra Modi addresses Gujarat voters in a flurry of tweets 

Moments before 5 pm, when the election campaign in Gujarat finally ended, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put out a series of tweets. Here’s what Modi said. 

Campaigning for the Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 ends. After three and a half years, I got the honour to travel across the length and breadth of Gujarat to seek the blessings of the people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

During my travels across Gujarat, the level of affection I have received from the people is unparalleled in my 40 years of public life. This affection gives me strength and motivates me to devote all my time for India’s development.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

I urge my sisters and brothers of Gujarat to vote in record numbers on the 14th. I call upon the people of Gujarat to not only give the BJP an overwhelming majority but also ensure that BJP wins in every polling booth across the state.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

I urge my sisters and brothers of Gujarat to vote in record numbers on the 14th. I call upon the people of Gujarat to not only give the BJP an overwhelming majority but also ensure that BJP wins in every polling booth across the state.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

With the Government of India and Government of Gujarat working together, the strength rises manifold. This 1+ 1 is not 2 but 11 and together we will take Gujarat to new heights.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

No Gujarati will let go off a golden opportunity of development of our youth and coming generations. Victory of BJP is a guarantee for a bright future.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

I am devoting my life for the betterment of crores of people of Gujarat and India. Have been fortunate to always get your blessings. I am sure you will continue to bless us in these elections too by voting for BJP.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

Gujarat will vote for change, says Rahul Gandhi

हटेगा कुशासन का अँधेरा#गुजरात_में_नया_सवेरा

आरक्षण का मिलेगा पूरा फायदा
रिक्त पदों पर नौकरियों का है वायदा
भूमिहीनों को मिलेगी सरप्लस जमीन
बनेगा SC कमीशन, दिलाते हैं यकीन

बंद होंगे दलितों पर अत्याचार
आओ गुजरात में लाएं कांग्रेस सरकार#NavsarjanGujarat

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2017

Narendra Modi hits out at Opposition moments before Gujarat campaign formally ends

The lies that our worthy opponents have spread, about Gujarat, Gujarat’s growth and about me personally is something I had never imagined. It is natural for every Gujarati to feel hurt. People of Gujarat will give a fitting reply to the negativity and lies of the opposition.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2017

Hardik Patel holds roadshow in Vadodara

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Patidar leader Hardik Patel held a rally in Vadodara and attacked PM Modi for linking the elections to Pakistan. He also commented on the prime minister’s seaplane ride, asking whether the aircraft was made in India, and if not, how can it show the development in Gujarat. 

If they want to show development, why do they talk about Pakistan, terrorism and Ram Mandir. What does it have to do with Gujarat elections," Hardik asked.

Rahul Gandhi misleading Patidar’s on quota: BJP

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Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked Rahul Gandhi on the issue of Patidar quota. “When asked about the roadmap for granting reservation, why did Rahul Gandhi deflect the question to the state Congress leader. He is the national president of the principle opposition party, why didn’t he answer,” Prasad asked. 

The Congress party is misleading people on these issues and no reservation can be granted outside the tenets of constitution.

#ElectionsWithNews18 | Congress has looted the country in the name of development. Rahul Gandhi is lying to the people of Gujarat: RS Prasad. #BattleForGujarat pic.twitter.com/QwZzPQ8JHC

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 12, 2017

‘Rahul Gandhi lied about development,’ says Ravi Shankar Prasad

In a last-ditch effort in final hour of Gujarat campaign, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad sought to highlight the development in Gujarat. He said that Rahul Gandhi was misleading the people with wrong stats and the real development of Gujarat is in public domain, adding that the figures quoted by Congress were not only wrong but misleading.

In last hour of campaigning, BJP tops up campaign with presser, PM’s seaplane ride in Ahmedabad

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“Development in Gujarat did not come from temple runs’s but from hard work,” Ravishankar Prasad told the press. The prime minister, meanwhile was in Ahmedabad as the campaign was drawing towards its end.

Narendra Modi reaches Sabarmati riverfront in last hour of campaigning in Gujarat

#VISUALS #BREAKING | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Sabarmati riverfront. #BattleForGujarat pic.twitter.com/Zvo8ZPtke2

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 12, 2017

Sensing another poll rout, Congress back to appeasement politics, says Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the Congress of indulging in “politics of minority appeasement” during the Gujarat polls as the latter was sure of its defeat.

“The Congress first indulged in caste politics. Now, 2-3 days prior to the first phase of voting, when they could see their defeat, the Congress has gone back to politics of minority appeasement,” Shah said.

Narendra Modi’s comments against Manmohan Singh is unacceptable 

Rahul Gandhi says what Narendra Modi has said about Manmohan Singh is unacceptable. 

“What Modiji has said about former PM Manmohan Singh is not acceptable,” Gandhi said, the final day of campaigning for the Gujarat Assembly elections.

He said the prime minister had refrained from speaking on corruption during the campaign in his home state.

PM Narendra Modi leaves from Dharoi Dam

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi leaves from Dharoi Dam pic.twitter.com/ocTDxvgk2U

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

Meanwhile… PM Modi offered prayers at Ambaji temple in Banaskantha

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PM Modi offers prayers in Ambaji temple in Banaskantha, Gujarat https://t.co/x8ZrhrVBuJ pic.twitter.com/aPiXW6o6Sf

— BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha) December 12, 2017

Are temple visits wrong now, asks Rahul Gandhi

“Why can’t I visit temples?” Rahul asked. He dismissed BJP’s narrative on the issue, saying it was the saffron party’s story that he “visited temples in Gujarat only. But in fact, I visited Kedarnath temple. Is that in Gujarat? It’s in Uttarakhand,” Rahul said.

Gujarat’s development only one-sided

“We have met people from across the state and they tell us that the state’s development is only one-sided. Most of the schools and colleges have been privatised. Their model of development is only for a handful of people. We will do balanced development if we come to power. Irrational economic policies of the BJP government has damaged Gujarat. We will abolish contract labour, fixed pay system in Gujarat. We will never take any decision unilaterally in Gujarat,” Rahul Gandhi said.

PM’s seaplane right a distraction from real issues

“Elections are in Gujarat and that should remain the main agenda. If Modi Ji wants to fly in a seaplane that is not wrong, there is no problem with that but it is a distraction. The real question is what has been done for the people of Gujarat in the last 22 years. Why don’t they talk about development any more,” says Rahul Gandhi," Rahul said,

MoS Jitendra Singh takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi

Religion & faith comes naturally to a person. For PM Modi it's a natural way of life, not like Congress leaders who, as soon as they touch 'dharti' of Gujarat, start visiting temples & never visit one in their backyard in Delhi: Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO pic.twitter.com/ghsUrRRCgJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

Congress has kept its focus on Gujarat’s issues of Small & Medium Enterprises, farmers, unemployment

INC has kept its focus on Gujarat's issues of Small & Medium Enterprises, farmers, unemployment. For the last 3months our party has tried to give a vision to Gujarat. #CongressAaveChe

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 12, 2017

Rahul Gandhi says every year in November Indian Parliament holds Winter Session, but this year it is not the case

Every year in November Indian Parliament holds Winter Session. But this year it is not the case. To avoid questions on #RafaleDeal, Jay Shah, PM Modi has shut down the Parliament. #CongressAaveChe

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 12, 2017

BJP is running scared

इस बार भाजपा घिर गयी है और भाजपा ने जो पिछले 22 साल में किया है वो उसे समझा नहीं पा रहे हैं, भाजपा इस बार घबराई हुई है - निर्वाचित कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष राहुल गांधी #CongressAaveChe

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 12, 2017

Whatever decision we will make about Gujarat, it will only be done after talking to the people of Gujarat, says Rahul Gandhi

Whatever decision we will make about Gujarat, it will only be done after talking to the people of Gujarat, after listening to their voices. No decision will be taken unilaterally: Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Ahmedabad #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/t6vOSAuoFI

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

Rahul Gandhi addresses the press

Rahul Gandhi said that Modi and Vijay Rupani have pursued one-sided development in Gujarat and many have missed out. He said that the BJP has not been able to maintain its position during the election campaign. He added that Modi either talks about himself or the Congress. He said that the Congress feels that it is going to win.

BJP continues to build up Narendra Modi

#BattleForGujarat - Respect for Narendra Modi is respect for 125 crore Indians. This election is about taking revenge for the insult on PM Modi: UP CM Yogi Adityanath #ElectionsWithNews18 pic.twitter.com/KM4z9v3hCn

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 12, 2017

Modi offers prayers at Ambaji Mandir in Gujarat

PM Shri @narendramodi offers prayers at Ambaji Mandir in Gujarat. Watch at https://t.co/YU5woHQhhD pic.twitter.com/mNC5zkQJpI

— BJP (@BJP4India) December 12, 2017