No change of guard in state: Rana

Former Union textile and rural development minister Kashiram Rana and an MP from Surat on Friday dismissed reports that he is set to replace Narendra Modi as chief minister of Gujarat.

Addressing media persons on Friday, Rana said, "There is no possibility of a change in leadership in Gujarat. We suffered in Gujarat, but one person (read Narendra Modi) cannot be held responsible for it. It was a collective failure of all BJP leaders, including me. As of today, there is no chance for a change in leadership in Gujarat, so the question of myself being in the race for the chief minister's post does not arise," Rana said.

With the sudden changes in the political scenario and the subsequent demand for the ouster of chief minister Narendra Modi, top among the list of nominees being speculated for the post is Rana.

Another candidate in the list is former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, while Suresh Mehta, former revenue minister in Patel's Cabinet also may be considered.

With regards to the claim made by Bhavnagar MLA Purshottam Solanki that over 60 BJP MLAs had demanded Modi's ouster during the birthday party of party leader A K Patel in Gandhinagar, Rana said, "There is no truth in Solanki's statement. Other than him, no BJP MLA has made any such demand. There is no dissent or revolt among BJP MLAs. The party high command will take appropriate action against Solanki for violating party discipline."

"The National Democratic Alliance allies have decided to remain together and act as a constructive opposition in the interest of the country and the citizens. The election of the NDA chairperson as well as the leader of Opposition is likely to be made during the meeting of NDA MPs on June 1."

Rana said, "We will sit together and discuss our strategy for the brief Parliament session that begins on June 10. The Congress-led government will have to present a vote-on-account in the last week of June, so we will also ready ourselves for the same."

"Despite being in the Opposition I will continue working for the development of the city and try to address the grievances of the citizens. Several works such as those related to Surat airport, water supply schemes, Surat railway station and construction of roads in rural areas were initiated during my previous term as an MP. We will not tolerate any attempts by the Congress-led government to delay these projects," Rana said.

He said, "Surat's population has increased tremendously over the last few years. A large number of people from other states have settled in the city. Several new trains were started during my previous term. Frequency of many trains was also increased. A lot of work was done, but lot more remains to be done."

"Textile, jari and diamond industries have played an important role in the development of Surat. These industries are the foundation of Surat's prosperity and we will continue taking steps for the progress of these industries," Rana said.

"The Apparel Park and the Gem & Jewellery Park would be completed at any cost."

On the reasons behind BJP's debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, especially in Gujarat, Rana said, "We are upset over the results as they turned out against our expectations. We were confident of increasing our tally in Gujarat, but it came down by seven seats. Lack of enthusiasm among party workers and the farmers' agitation could be responsible."