BJP and Congress today had a war of words in the Gujarat Assembly over the results of Uttar Pradesh elections.
As soon as Question Hour began, BJP MLAs started chanting "Modi-Modi" to mark party's landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh. Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela (Congress) took exception to this.
"Victory and defeat are part of democracy....BJP started its journey with two MPs. So the BJP members need to digest it (victory in UP) and show some restraint," said Vaghela.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, "I agree with Vaghela, BJP started its journey with just two MPs and reached 323 (in 2014). Now in UP where we didn't have any significant presence we have achieved such a grand victory. And we still have two and a half years left at the Centre," said Rupani.
"I wonder what will happen to Congress when it is reduced to two seats. You may not be able to recover from that point. When our MLAs are celebrating the victory in UP, Congress needs to learn to digest it," the CM hit back.
Congress MLA Anil Joshiara alleged that BJP rigged the electronic voting machines. Another Congress MLA, Mahendrasinh Vaghela, reminded BJP of defeat in Punjab.
"Remember you haven't defeated us in UP, but the Congress defeated you in Punjab. That's the difference," he said.
To Joshiara's EVM allegation, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel asked Congress to "respect the democratic process".
"You must not forget that Congress' strength in UP has been reduced to nine from 29," said Patel.
Senior Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil said Punjab results could be replicated in Gujarat. "The DNA of Punjab and Gujarat is same. You can't compare UP with Gujarat. Just as people were angry with Akali Dal and BJP in Punjab, people are angry with BJP rule here," he said.
In a jibe at the CM Rupani's first name, Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar said "Vijay" (victory) will turn into "Parajay" (defeat) in Gujarat in the coming Assembly elections.
"In all the five states which went to the polls people voted against those in power. Those who had 'Vijay' earlier, conceded 'Parajay'. So wherever the CM's name is Vijay, they will have 'Parajay'," Parmar said.
