Gujarat Assembly elections 2022: BJP's prestige battle to defend its turf

Not just as the home state of PM Narendra Modi, but also as a major producing and exporting state known for its trade and enterprise, Gujarat holds a special place for all political parties

In the run-up to the assembly elections in Gujarat, some major investment announcements were made in the state, including a multi-billion-dollar semiconductor plant by Vedanta-Foxconn and an aircraft manufacturing project by the Tata group and Airbus, much to the chagrin of its neighbours.

For decades, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has marketed the development model of Gujarat, showcasing the state’s 1,600-km long coastline, well-developed ports, connected highways, industry-friendly policies, and export-led growth across sectors like chemicals, petrochemicals and plastics, pharmaceuticals, engineering, gems & jewellery, and textiles.

Not just as the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but also