Talk has begun in political circles whether Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi can advance the state Assembly polls scheduled next year to foil the Congress’ game plan.
The Gujarat governor’s decision to appoint R.A. Mehta as Lokayukta of the state without consulting the chief minister is being seen as a shrewd move. Now, the Congress would make corruption as a major poll plank against the Modi government after the success in removing B.S. Yeddyurappa from the Karnataka chief ministership on corruption charges.
“Corruption will replace communalism card in Gujarat,” sources said, viewing that Mr Modi might have gained by communal polarisation in the last two Assembly elections but he could be on the defensive if the Lokauykta takes up corruption cases effectively.
Mr Modi, the BJP’s strongest chief minister, may not give the Congress enough time to build its campaign on corruption with the help of the new Lokayukta. It could advance the state Assembly elections by a few months.
“The Election Commission can change an election schedule only in the last six months. The Gujarat polls are due in November-December next year. If the Modi government decides to dissolve the state Assembly one year before the elections, then it can be held before the monsoon, perhaps with the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab Assembly elections,” the sources said.