Modi showcases Gujarat model, Rahul talks of ‘zabardast’ result
AHMEDABAD: Tuesday marked the end of the 49-day high-decibel campaign for what some experts say will be the closest elections fought for the Gujarat assembly in years.
On the last day of campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mixed his characteristic showmanship with the Hindutva-plus-development approach that has worked so well for him and his Bharatiya Janata Party. He took off in a seaplane from the Sabarmati riverfront, whose development he supervised during his days as chief minister of Gujarat, landed at Dharoi dam, and then drove to the Ambaji temple to offer prayers. He then took the seaplane back. Along the way, he described the seaplane project as development “the Congress couldn’t imagine” and said his government was developing 103 waterways for use by seaplanes because it wasn’t feasible to have airports
everywhere.
“With the government of India and the government of Gujarat working together, our strength rises manifold…. And we will take Gujarat to new heights,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the advantage of having the same party in both the state and the Centre.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who will take over as presi- dent of his party on December 16, was confidence personified and said in a press conference in Ahmedabad that the verdict, out on December 18, would be “zabardast” (tremendous). Gandhi, who has been visiting temples in Gujarat through his campaign in the state, visited the Jagannath temple in the city. Gandhi promised that if elected, his party would ensure uniform development.