BJP does not veer off development pitch

The controversy kicked off by Chief Minister Narendra Modi's justification of the staged killing of Sohrabuddin, a suspected terrorist, has not shifted the BJP's focus away from development in Gujarat, one of India's most industrialised states.

The development talk was, however, sprinkled with issues such as terrorism.

The party manifesto released today promises 12 per cent economic growth, doubling of power capacity to 20,000 Mw and poverty eradication. It also promises to take the state's per capita income to Rs 80,000.

"We promise a 'garibi-mukt' (poverty-free) Gujarat. That is our top-most priority," said state BJP chief Purushottam Rupala.

Senior leader Arun Jaitley, party's state in-charge Om Mathur and state finance minister Vajubhai Vala were present at the function. The party said if it returned to power, it would work towards creating a safe, secure and prosperous Gujarat.

To pacifying farmers in the state, the party promised 14 hours of power every day. "Our party will ensure that all farmers have electricity connection for water pumps," he said. The manifesto also promises that all villages will be connected by all-weather roads.

"We are also committed to the youth of Gujarat. We will earmark a revolving fund of Rs 1,000 crore for various youth-related schemes," he said.

When asked about the recent Election Commission (EC) notice to the chief minister over his remarks on Sohrabuddin, Jaitley said: "The EC should also issue a notice to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Digvijay Singh for their remarks."