State doesn't want to leave anything to chance when it comes to terror attacks

Though the state government has not so far received any specific threat of terrorist attack during the forthcoming Lok Sabha election, the state has made a strong representation to the Centre for allotment of more central paramilitary forces (CPMF) to maintain law and order during the polls and also for the protection of vital installations on Saurashtra and South Gujarat coast.

Call it a coincidence or simply fate, but merely few hours ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, chief minister Narendra Modi had sworn in six BJP MLAs as the parliamentary secretaries of the state. Unfortunately these new secretaries, who were lucky to get berth in the quasi-ministership, but with polls dates announced, their wings have been clipped owing to the election code of conduct that set in almost immediately after!

After many false starts, a third front comprising eight parties was finally announced on Monday by former PM and JD (S) leader Deve Gowda. The formation is a significant departure from the 2004 elections, which saw a more direct fight between Congress- and BJP-led alliances.

The Left Front, a major constituent of this formation, was with the Congress the last time, as were Gowda, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Another major constituent, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), was with the NDA.

Gowda claimed the front was coming together of like-minded parties wanting equidistance from the Congress and the BJP. The fact, however, is the formation is gambling on a hung parliament.

Bjp, congress say they are ready for the battle, have almost finalised probable candidates

“We are absolutely ready for elections,” claimed state party president Siddharth Patel soon after the Election Commission announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections, on Monday afternoon. The same level of confidence that the chief had exuded, interestingly seems to percolate down to even the party’s rank and file. Conservative estimates in the party claim Congress should be happy if it rakes in six to seven of the 26 seats in the state. However, a major section of workers, buoyed by Rahul Gandhi’s visits, currently feels that getting 13-15 seats too may not be a tall order if the momentum is maintained.

The Election Commission on Monday announced five-phase polling starting April 16 for the 15th Lok Sabha. The model code of conduct comes into effect immediately.