BJP will get absolute majority, predicts Rana

SURAT, Aug 12: Union Textile Minister Kashiram Rana has claimed that the BJP will get absolute majority and form a stable government in t...

SURAT, Aug 12: Union Textile Minister Kashiram Rana has claimed that the BJP will get absolute majority and form a stable government in the forthcoming elections.

Addressing a news conference here today, on the eve of filing his nomination for the Surat Lok Sabha constituency, the minister said the Vajpayee government’s performance in the last 15 months will ensure that the BJP and its allies get a comfortable majority to run the government for five years.

Claiming that the Kargil victory has created a favourable atmosphere for the party, he said the BJP will seek a mandate for a stable government, national security, and good governance.

He claimed that the “present political scenario in the country is favourable for the BJP”. We have no leadership dispute, while the opposition to Sonia Gandhi’s leadership has not ceased despite the expulsion of three Congress leaders who revolted against her leadership, he said. Similar revolts may resurface any moment in the Congress, he added.

“The third force no longer exists”, he said. “The fight is going to be between the Congress and the BJP. We are going to have an edge over the Congress” he opined.

Replying to a question about Rupin Patchigar, the Congress candidate pitted against him, Rana said “I do not underestimate my rivals”. Four-time MP Rana will file his nomination papers on Friday.

Meanwhile, a high-powered committee appointed by the textile ministry to formulate a new textile policy has submitted its report to the ministry in the last week of July. Because of the model code of conduct, the ministry cannot make the report public. The new textile policy will come into force after the new government comes to power, Rana said.

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The BJP, meanwhile, has appointed convenors for all seven assembly segments which fall under Surat Lok Sabha constituency. Municipal Finance Board Chairman Fakirbhai Chauhan, city BJP President Pravin Naik, and SUDA Chairman Arvind Godiwala have been appointed as convenors for Surat parliamentary seat.

Other convenors are: Dhanshukh Patel, MLA, (Olpad), Dheeru Gajera (North), Gulabdas Khashi (east), Hemant Chapatwala (west), Narottam Patel (Choryasi), Thakorbhai Desai (Navsari) and R C Patel, MLA, (Jalalpore).