Local body polls: Cong alleges BJP-AAP nexus
During Gujarat’s local body elections, Congress launched a fierce attack on both BJP and AAP, turning the campaign into a political showdown. At Congress headquarters, state chief Amit Chavda alleged that the BJP and AAP were “mocking democracy” while pretending to be rivals. He claimed AAP was created to weaken Congress and works as BJP’s “B team.” Chavda linked past anti-corruption movements to a larger political conspiracy against Congress. Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil also slammed BJP over corruption, inflation, potholes and unemployment. Congress urged voters to press the ‘Panja’ symbol and send BJP a strong message.
Major IAS reshuffle on the cards post polls
A big administrative upheaval is set to hit Gujarat in May as the state prepares for a sweeping transfer drive after local body elections. Senior IAS officers, district collectors, DDOs, municipal commissioners and department heads are all in the reshuffle line. Officers posted at the same place for over three years are likely to be moved first. Key posts currently handled with additional charge will now get full-time appointments. Political equations after the elections are expected to influence several prime postings. Meanwhile, lobbying has already begun, with some officers racing to secure commissioner posts in newly formed municipal corporations.
Eco-tourism sector likey to get makeover
According to sources, Gujarat’s eco-tourism sector is set for a major makeover, with Principal Secretary Vinod Rao reportedly bieng handed a high-stakes mission. The Forest and Environment Department has fixed an ambitious target to raise the revenue from 48 eco-tourism sites from `45 crore in two years to a massive `150 crore. Officials are now studying South India’s successful tourism models for inspiration. Kerala earns `3,600 crore from 300 sites, Tamil Nadu `1,200 crore from 80 sites, while Karnataka gets `280 crore from 35 locations. Gujarat has also begun drafting a fresh eco-tourism policy and identifying high-potential zones for rapid growth.
Dilip Singh Kshatriya
Our correspondent in Gujarat
dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com