BJP President Amit Shah today described Gujarat as the "laboratory" of Sangh Parivar's ideology and expressed confidence of a victory for the party in 2017 Assembly polls as he once again attacked Rahul Gandhi over the JNU episode.
Giving a pep talk to Gujarat BJP workers in the wake of recent loss in local body polls, Shah asked them not to get disappointed with the outcome, confident that the saffron outfit will emerge victorious at the Assembly polls and also the 2019 national elections.
"We should not get disappointed here as this is the laboratory of our ideology. The 2012 win in Gujarat was the stepping stone for 2014 Lok Sabha win and in the same way 2017 victory will pave the way for win in 2019 national elections," Shah asserted.
The BJP leader, who last month got re-elected as party President for a fresh three-year term, was addressing a meeting of party leaders and workers, who had gathered here from across the State.
Shah asked them to work collectively for BJP's victory in the Assembly polls.
He questioned the commitment of Rahul, the Congress Vice President, towards the country after his visit to JNU campus in support of students who allegedly raised anti-India slogans.
"I want to ask State Congress leaders whether they endorse Rahul Gandhi's stand on the JNU issue. He visited the (JNU) campus and extended support to those who raised anti- India slogans. He says they have freedom of expression. I wonder in which country Rahul lives," said Shah.
"When Gujarat is going for Assembly polls, it is now the responsibility of each BJP worker to follow Congress leaders wherever they go and force them to clear their stand (on the JNU issue).
"Till they clear their stand, you should not allow them to go among the people," said Shah, indicating that the party workers may launch the poll campaign well in advance.
Commenting on the setback suffered by BJP in district and taluka panchayat polls held in November last, Shah at one point expressed concern over the loss.
"When I was in Delhi, I saw disappointment in the eyes of BJP workers here. It really surprised me. The polls results were indeed worrisome as we lost in the panchayat polls (in rural areas). However, we captured corporations and municipalities (urban centres). I want you to shed all your disappointments and get ready for the Assembly polls.
He discounted the Congress chance of winning the
polls, especially in the wake of Patel quota agitation, which is believed to be the key reason behind the debacle of BJP in panchayat elections.
"Congress leaders do not know that BJP is like a Phoenix, which will rise from the ashes. I can see saliva coming out from their mouths (Opposition leaders at the prospects of coming to power). I want to tell them that Gujarat was, and will remain, the fortress of BJP and we will get absolute majority this time too."
Shah asked party cadres to bury their differences and get back to work. "At a time when Congress is sensing victory, I urge you to put aside all your differences and come together for the 2017 polls. It will be a very election. Just like 2012 Gujarat polls prepared the base for our victory in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, this poll will the pave way for BJP's victory in 2019."
He asked BJP workers to reach out to people and remind them about days when Congress was in power (prior to 1995).
"Communal riots were common when Congress ruled here. I urge party leaders to reach out to people and remind them about what kind of problems they faced when Congress ruled here. Tell people what our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing for the uplift of the poorest of the poor."
The gathering was attended by top BJP leaders of Gujarat, including Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, newly elected State unit President Vijay Rupani and National General Secretary Purshottam Rupala. Almost all MLAs, MPs from state and various office-bearers of Gujarat BJP were also present.
Ahead of the function in Gandhinagar, Shah addressed BJP workers at Ahmedabad airport after his arrival in afternoon.
In his address, Shah thanked Modi for strengthening BJP's base in Gujarat when he was Chief Minister between 2001 and 2014.
In Ahmedabad too, the BJP chief spoke about the State polls. "People who are day-dreaming about victory do not know about the mood and style of BJP workers. There is no doubt that BJP will get absolute majority. A BJP worker is like a soldier whose only target is victory in the war (elections)."
After addressing the twin gatherings, Shah, along with other leaders, held a detailed meeting with party workers, MLAs and MPs at the State BJP headquarters near Gandhinagar.
