Gujarat model has ‘failed’, Congress to win Assembly elections for sure

AHMEDABAD (INDIA): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has said the ruling BJP and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi were “scared” of the outcome of the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls as their much-touted “model of development” in the state had “failed”.nnAddressing party workers here, Gandhi exuded confidence that the Congress, in opposition in Gujarat for nearly two decades, would come to power after the polls, likely to be held later this year.nn”This time, I firmly believe no one can stop the Congress from forming the next government in Gujarat,” the 47-year-old Amethi MP said.nnThe Congress leader said the Gujarat “model of development” stood thoroughly “exposed”.nn”The BJP and Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) are scared of the outcome of the Gujarat Assembly polls. You cannot hide the truth for long. The hollowness of the BJP’s Gujarat model of development has been exposed now,” he said.nnGandhi alleged the model had not helped anyone “be it the youth, farmers, small businessmen or shopkeepers”.nnOnly some 5-10 people benefited from it, Gandhi said without taking names.nnAttacking Modi, Gandhi said his government was putting “undue pressure” on the media. “We know that Modiji is pressuring the media. Even some media persons have told me that they are scared,” he claimed.nnHe asked party workers to fight against the BJP at the booth level and expose the saffron outfit’s “lies”.nn”You have so many issues for this election such as hardships being faced by farmers, demonetisation, GST and unemployment. Our workers will fight against BJP at the booth level and expose their lies,” he said.nnThe event at the Sabarmati Riverfront — a waterfront on the banks of the Sabarmati — was an outreach programme for workers.nnAt the event named “Samvad” (dialogue), Gandhi interacted with party workers and answered questions sent to him in advance by them.nnGujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki read out the questions and the party vice president answered them.nnSource: Press Trust of India