Gujarat elections 2017: Rajasthan leaders reach Gujarat to campaign

As poll dates in Gujarat approach closer, there is a mad scramble among politicians of Rajasthan to reach the neighbouring state. This is seen not just in the Congress, but also in the BJP. Ministers from the Centre and state along with MPs, MLAs from the ruling party are happy to go door-to-door and distribute voter slips. They are walking the extra mile to escort candidates filing nominations. This is probably the first time that Rajasthani politicians have descended in such large numbers to campaign in Gujarat.

If one were to think that the khadi brigade is going all out to ensure victory for their respective parties; reconsider it. Gujarat elections are the easiest platform that Rajasthan politicians can use to pave smoother paths for themselves in the Assembly polls slated to be held next year. What makes Gujarat elections more important for the politicos of Rajasthan is the spiced up fight due to the presence of Rahul Gandhi and first time not having Narendra Modi as rallying point. For Congress, the Rajasthan connect gets stronger with former CM Ashok Gehlot, a maverick politician as his close aide.

Social welfare minister Arun Chaturvedi and Panchayat Raj minister Rajendra Rathore are actively campaigning. Central ministers from Rajasthan, PP Choudhary, Gajendra Singh and MP Om Birla and Devji Patel have also had a prolonged stay to campaign.

According to a BJP leader who did not wish to be named, "These elections are vital and party president Amit Shah is closely monitoring them."

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is now a prominent Congress face in the Gujarat polls. Rajasthan PCC chief Sachin Pilot also pitched his weight in the campaign. Former health minister Rajkumar Sharma had a well publicized trip.