Some observations on Gujarat Congress’s campaign of local elections

Election for 24 District Panchayats(barring Kheda and Banaskantha), 208 Taluka Panchayats and 53 Nagarpalikas will be held on 21 October in Gujarat. This covers more than 60% area of the state. After great defeat of Congress party in recently concluded municipal corporation polls, the Panchayat/Nagarpalika polls are considered one-sided, in favor of BJP. It seems that Gujarat Congress is taking this election as a low key affair. Following are some observation on Congress campaign ahead of the election day.

-Contrary to civic election campaign, there was no filmy heroine called this time from Mumbai for election campaign.

-Contrary to civic election campaign, there was no ‘BJP – the Ravana’ tv ad on air this time. Instead this time the party aired positive TV ad about central government schemes.

-Yes there was Modi bashing in Congress speeches. But the attack was more on corruption.

-Ahmed Patel came to Gujarat during the campaign, but was limited to his native Bharuch district only, where he held discussion with district level party leaders. Patel also issued a statement criticizing the state govt.

-Central minister of state Sachin Pilot addressed campaign rallies in three villages of Mahesana district.

-Congress prabhari of Gujarat Shri Sudhakar reddy addressed a press conference in Rajkot on last day of campaign.

-After the civic elections result, the state Congress is highly demoralized. Chief Minister Narendra Modi says describe it as:”Congress is in coma”.

-Most of the Congress candidates are contesting without any expectation from the party. They are fighting the election on personal capacity. Party is expecting some good result on the bases of factors like anti-establishment, misrule and corruption.