As Gujarat gears up for crucial local body polls, the BJP has shifted into high-alert campaign mode, rolling out a meticulous ground strategy to secure dominance, a statewide network of observers will fan out across districts and cities, directly engaging with grassroots workers and aspiring candidates. Over the next few days, they will assess public mood, test organisational strength, and shortlist contenders. Ward-wise panels, factoring in image, popularity, and caste equations, will be drafted and sent to the state leadership. The final call rests with State Parliamentary Board, with the exercise aimed at minimising dissent and backing only winnable faces.
Liquor move sparks political face-off
Political ripples are intensifying in Gujarat as reports suggest a move to extend controlled liquor access to permit holders in Porbandar, following a similar policy in GIFT City. Sources indicate regulatory-level preparations are underway, though official confirmation remains pending. The Congress has mounted sharp opposition, calling the move a blow to Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, while urging Narendra Modi to intervene. The BJP, however, has hit back, accusing the opposition of politicising the issue. With permit holders and tourism factors in play, the debate has quickly escalated into a larger ideological and electoral flashpoint.
Congress releases ‘chargesheet’ against BJP
Political temperatures are rising ahead of the local body elections as Congress unveils a “chargesheet” targeting BJP’s long rule. Calling it a “book of sins”, Congress leaders accused the ruling party of deep-rooted corruption and governance failures. MLA Shailesh Parmar alleged crumbling infrastructure, waterlogging, sewage issues, and mismanaged urban planning in Ahmedabad. He also flagged declining healthcare standards and rising civic taxes. The BJP, in power across civic, state, and central levels, faces mounting opposition claims as Congress seeks to turn public grievances into electoral momentum in the high-stakes urban polls.
Dilip Singh Kshatriya
Our correspondent in Gujarat
dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com