Ahmedabad: Speaking to media persons at BJP media centre here, union finance minister and Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Arun Jaitley said: ‘When the campaign in Gujarat started, Congress had anti-development approach. There has been no other example so far in history in which some political party had anti-development approach while fighting election. BJP had made it very clear that even in next five years, development will be the agenda of BJP government. But in between Congress has changed its strategy. To create social divide and fighting the election on the basis of that has been the strategy of Congress. Gujarat is progressive state and in none progressive state such negative mentality can sustain. The people of Gujarat have been one. Even in 1980s when division of society was attempted, the people of Gujarat had refused it in one voice. The types of forces they are collecting, I think the debate of election is shaping up on its tone on its own. On one hand BJP symbolizes unity and development and on the other hand they types of forces Congress is associating with to fight the election can only bring anarchy in this state. It started with anarchy but it will definitely fail as people of Gujarat are going to refuse to accept it.’

Refuting Congress allegation that government was running away from session, Jaitley said, ‘today Congress party said that NDA government is running away from parliamentary session. It should be remembered that when elections were held under Congress government, winter session was scheduled in a way that it would not overlap the parliament session. When all MPs and leaders are among people, election and session can’t overlap. There are number of examples of that under Congress rule. The session will definitely take place.’

Jaitley said GST impact will be very positive on Gujarat elections. GST council is rationalizing the rates. Gradually the rates are being rationalized and that has not happened in last 50-60 years under Congress rule. The Prime Minister wishes rationalization to go ahead.

Jaitley in reply to a query said BJP manifesto for Gujarat polls is almost ready. Today meeting of manifesto committee was held. Date of release of manifesto will be out in two-three days.

Jaitley while replying a question on reservation quota said, ‘Supreme Court decisions are very clear about reservation. The 50% limit is imposed by Supreme Court. To go beyond this 50% limit is either cheating self or to others. A few days back an issue related to Rajasthan was in the supreme Court. It was clearly told by Supreme Court that whatever law has to be made must not go beyond 50% limit. If someone speaks to go beyond 50% limit it’s cheating to people.’

When asked about demonetization impact in Gujarat polls, Jaitley said, ‘after demonetization, many elections have taken place and BJP has won them all. The party will have big win in Gujarat.’

In reply to question about Rahul Gandhi’s impact in Gujarat elections, Arun Jaitley said, ‘the impact of Rahul Gandhi will be same as what happened in Uttar Pradesh.’

DeshGujarat