With just a month to go before the polling day, the campaign for Gujarat Assembly elections has reached its zenith. While the Opposition Congress seems prepared, confident, and passionate about winning the polls, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not on the backfoot on any front. The party, which has a large number of seasoned politicians such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national president Amit Shah, is trying to woo voters in the name of development.

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In an interview with DNA, Deputy Chief Minister NITIN PATEL gives an account of the five-year BJP rule in Gujarat, which saw three different CMs in such a short time. Edited excerpts:

Which is the BJP government’s biggest achievement in the last five years?

The Narmada dam project is the biggest achievement of this government. In fact, we all know that it took a long time to accomplish and why that happened. The Central government led by Congress never supported this ambitious and lifeline project for Gujarat. If the project was completed a few years ago, the state would be have been at a position that no one can even imagine. However, we are satisfied that with its dedication and pure devotion for Gujarat’s development, the BJP government has finally achieved this goal.

Do you think the last five years were different from the rest 17 years of BJP rule in the state?

Of course. After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, we can say that all impediments or obstacles were removed from the path of development in Gujarat. He immediately gave approval for fitting gates over the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The Congress government deliberately did not let it happen. Now, the Central government has been giving us full support, whenever needed. The bullet train project, investments in state, and good allocation of budget are some of the examples. During the recent floods, the Modi-led NDA government was kind enough to immediately announce a package of Rs 500 crore for rehabilitation of people in affected Banaskantha and Patan districts. These just a handful of examples, and there are so many more.

Why would people vote for the BJP in 2017 polls as well?

I can clearly and confidently say that BJP has a very clean image and our impression is that of a pro-development party. There is not a single blot on our government, which ruled the state for 22 years. In fact, voters in Gujarat have been electing us because we have remained non-corrupt throughout. Moreover, the BJP ensured great development in Gujarat, bringing the living standard of people in the state on a higher level. Today, you can see that rural areas in Gujarat also have urban facilities. BJP thought for every section of society and worked for them, be it farmers, women, young people, tribals, Dalits, economically backward class, or industries. The Gujarat government has given benefits to all, as and when needed.

Do you think this is a do or die battle for BJP?

The 2012 polls were the foundation pillar for PM Modi’s elevation. When his development theory won in Gujarat in 2012, the entire nation noticed it and they wanted to have a leader like him. That prevails today as well. Not only Gujarat but other states voted for BJP as well and the party came to power in states where it was difficult to imagine, such as Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming polls are going to make the foundation for BJP rule in nation even stronger. We are not only hopeful but are sure that the BJP will win with more than 150 seats this time.