Gujarat Election 2007 - Majaor Poll Issues

Gujarat Election 2007 - Poll Issues

Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter: The Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter has turned out to be a major issue for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state of Gujarat, being raised aggressively by the opposition Congress. Acceptance of the Gujarat government in an affidavit produced in the court, the government has branded the encounter of Sohrabuddin as fake. The case is presently being heard by the apex court.
Afzal Guru case: Modi said, "If you don't have the courage, send him to Gujarat. We will hang him here."
Narendra Modi's Development Factor: Schemes like Jyoiti Gram Yojna (Rural Electrification), Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana for the tribals, Gokul Gram Yojna, Mid-day Meal Scheme, E-Gram Yojna, Sardar Patel Sahbhagi Jalsanchay Yojna Industrial development, foreign investment, Education (Percentage of Drop out students high on Gujarat).
Dissidents among Gujarat BJP: In 2007, Modi is facing various troubles in the way of victory. His party workers and parivaar are against him, the Sadhu brigade and even disenchanted riot accused are against him.
Congress calls Modi Dr Death: Modi in 2007 might have moved away from Mian Musharraf and Hum Panch, Humare Pachees rhetoric of 2002, but then his constant focus is Sonia Gandhi. If in 2002, she was 'Italy ki Beti', in 2007 she becomes 'Soniaben'. Whereas, Sonia Gandhi acknowledge Modi as 'Merchant of Death'. In 2002 the division was simpler - It was merely Hindus Vs Muslim, translated as BJP Vs Congress.
Basic problem like drinking water: 14000 villages of Gujarat out of 18500 villages in Gujarat suffer from severe water scarcity. The drop in the height of the ground water is around 3 to 5 meters every year. In areas like Mehsana, Patan etc, the water table are as low as 350 to 450 mts. 15 districts are affected by floride and 16 districts are affected by salinity.
Controversy over Sardar Sarovar issue: Rehabilitation for the landless. Controversy over sharing of Narmada river water with Madhya Pradesh Government. The Modi government boastfully talked of their prestigious Narmada River project to create a parochial euphoria of helping people have water in the parched drought affected areas of the state. Ironically 70% of canal works the canal network required for its distribution is yet to be completed. Besides, the drought affected people now find that they have to pay to drink the Narmada water.
Tribal issue in Gujarat: Since long the tribe demanded for the Jal Jangal Jameen from the Government of Gujarat. As the forest department restrict the trible to farm in the forest area.
Patel factor in Gujarat: Patels hold major position in Gujarat, keshubhai Patel who represents the patel community in Gujarat. In Gujarat there are 17 per cent patel votes who decides the future of the Gujarat. Last Election Narendra Modi got the support of Patel voters. This time Narendra Modi gave tickets to 20 patel in Saurashtra district. This time patels are annoyed with Modi due to negligence of Keshubhai Patel.
Law and Order situation in Gujarat: 'How secure does the common men feel in Gujarat?' - Death of a Koli community girl revealed the the truth. Kolis , an OBC community form a sizable number upto 20 per cent in several constituencies in Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh and Surendranagar district of Saurashtra. The community annoyed with the state govt over its failure to nab the culprits in the rape and murder of koli girl, Chandni some months ago.
Godhra Issue: The issue of Unemployment and lack of trade and development have been suspended by riots and the sabarmati express. Modi said that even if he wins 130 seats, it is Godhra which will be spoken about. The fact that panchmahal constituency comprises a significant 50 per cent Muslim population, it was the VHP in roads into rural Godhra that helped the BHP win in 2002. Godhra traditionally voted for a candidate rather than a political party.