By Abdul Hafiz lakhani. Ahmedabad
Still one year away, Post-Gujarat verdict in Dec. 2017, a BJP versus Congress battle will more sharply define the national political landscape, more so because four major state polls — in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka — before the 2019 general elections are straight bipolar contests.
BJP won for the sixth consecutive time in Gujarat, starting in 1995, but dropped below 100 in the 182-seat assembly for the first time. Broadly, urban voters and the second phase of Gujarat polls brought BJP home while Congress’ improved performance was thanks to seats won in the first phase and in rural areas.
But now, Gujarat BJP is planning to see spilt in Gujarat congress as early as possible in apprehension that the party’s tally will come down to 15 seats in the Lok Sabha elections next year, from the 26 won in 2014.
Some BJP leaders who met at the party office here recently have started preparations for the general elections. Speculations is rife that the party is looking to poach 10 Congress MLAs and that it has prepared a list of soft targets, even identified eight MLAs. There is almost an year left for the Lok Sabha polls and the party’s performance in the state has deteriorated for one reason or the reason.
On the other hand, the Congress has gained strength after their total tally in the Assembly went up after the Assembly polls last year.A senior BJP leader said, “Many of Congress MLAs are in touch with us, and they can shift their loyalty any time; but we are planning to welcome them at the right time, like a few months before the Lok Sabha elections, probably around the next budget session of the Assembly.”
The leader further claimed that many of the Congress MLAs wish to change their loyalty “as their leaders at the state level are not efficient and do not look beyond their own interests. Getting them to our side will be part of our poll strategy,” he said.”Recently, our Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel met many of the Congress MLAs one-on-one. It is known to everyone that he said in a subtle way during the Assembly session also that Congress MLAs could come over for tea in his office and can discuss development issues in their areas. It was a hint to the opposition MLAs,” added the leader.
Many in the Congress have reportedly sensed BJP’s plans and have complained to the state leadership about the increasing proximity between some of their colleagues and the ruling party leaders. But Congress has yet to take any evident action to counter the move.A Congress MLA from north Gujarat said on condition of anonymity, “I know who they are and that they can change their loyalty anytime. I understand there is more advantage to be part of the ruling party. It is possible that development in our areas will be near to zero as compared to a BJP MLA’s constituency. This is the reason why Congress MLAs may choose to join the BJP.”
“Saurashtra MLAs are more in number who can join the BJP in the next few months. Our leaders at the national level have to be at the helm to save the strength of the party in the Assembly,” added the Congress MLA.
