FMR Gujarat CM Vaghela Vows To Defeat Modi Led BJP In 2019 LS Poll
FORMER Congress Leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela has pledged to overthrow the Modi led Government by forging an anti-BJP ‘ Mahagathbandhan’ across the country. Vaghela, who has long been associated with the RSS and was Minister in the UPA government headed by the Congress, said on Wednesday the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a contest between “PM of India versus People of India” and predicted that NDA vote share would decrease by at least five to ten per cent. Stressing the need for regional tie-ups in different states to defeat the BJP-led NDA, the Gujarat based leader , who was a bosom friend of Narendra Modi for several years, 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 evading query as why he is called by some people as the B-team of the BJP.One time mentor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out Modi 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’, Vaghela belonging to a high caste ,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 former BJP leader. Born in 1940, Vaghela began his political journey with Janata Party. He later became a senior leader with BJP. He was the chief minister of Gujarat between 1996 and 1997.A candidate from Gujarat’s Kapadwanj, he handled a variety of portfolios during his career. From being the minister of textile to being the Congress party’s election committee’s chairman, Vaghela had taken up different roles. Vaghela, who was the Leader of Opposition in the 13th Gujarat Legislative Assembly, was once known considered the Congress party’s fitting answer to former chief minister turned Prime Minister Narendra Modi.(with inputs from The Pioneer)
