The fervent exuberance within BJP leaders in Gujarat over the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Rajkot fizzled out soon after it turned out to be a hoax. BJP cadres tried to exploit the issue owing to bypolls, which are going to be held for Jasdan assembly seat in Rajkot district on Thursday, only to take their words back.
The talk of central government establishing an AIIMS in Gujarat had spread in the state on Tuesday morning, especially in Rajkot. Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani and minister Saurabh Patel released statements welcoming the decision by the PM Narendra Modi-led government.
Patel said in his statement that an AIIMS in Rajkot would prove to be a boon for people in Saurashtra region as the best health facilities would soon be available. Vaghani, going a step further than Patel, said that the central government took the decision but the announcement would be made later because of the Jasdan seat bypoll.
The CM and the deputy CM said that neither of them was aware of the development and then a denial on the matter came from the central Health and Family Welfare ministry.
On the other side, there was resentment among BJP legislators from central Gujarat. Vadodara MLA Yogesh Patel said, “I don't have any confirmation on an AIIMS in Rajkot but we have been demanding the same in Vadodara so that services can be provided to tribal and poor people in central and southern Gujarat and the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh. If an AIIMS comes up in Rajkot, we shall protest it.”
Although the entire issue was born of a rumour, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Gujarat took cognisance of the matter. CEO Dr S Murali Krishna issued a notice to the health department of Gujarat government seeking an explanation. Krishna said, “We got to know about this incident from media but have served a notice to the health department for an explanation on the issue.”
He, however, denied of having initiated any action on minister Saurabh Patel and BJP chief Jitu Vaghani, who spread the news through their statements. “We have not served any notice to any individuals in this case yet,” the CEO said.
The Model Code of Conduct has been enforced in Gujarat owing to the bypoll. The government, as per the MCOC, has to take the consent from election commission to make an announcement of any scheme in the state that could affect the voters' choice.
RUMOUR HAS IT
- The talk of the central government establishing an AIIMS in Gujarat had spread in the state on Tuesday morning, moreso in Rajkot
- The CM and deputy CM said that neither of them was aware of the development. Central Health and Family Welfare Ministry also denied the same
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