Assembly elections: Gujaratis desire change, says Keshubhai Patel

AHMEDABAD: Veteran politician Keshubhai Patel, who quit BJP earlier this year to take on Chief Minister Narendra Modi in coming Gujarat Assembly elections, today said the people of the state desired a change of government.

"After my Parivartan Yatra through the state, I felt the undercurrent seeking to change this non-performing government is strong, especially amongst the poor and jobless youths," Patel, who has founded Gujarat Parivartan Party, said.

"The people are emotionally attached to us and I am confident that the huge turn-out at my rallies would translate into votes, bringing us to power," he said.

"Many people told me that Modi government is useless, throw it out. The fact is that people who turned out in large numbers at GPP's gatherings are voters of both the parties ( Congress and BJP)," said Patel.

Asked whom his party would lend support in the event of a hung Assembly, Patel said his party would be voted to power and in fact may bag more seats than needed for a simple majority.

The state would go to polls on December 13 and 17 and the counting will take place on December 20.

Replying to a query as to how many disgruntled BJP MLAs were in touch with GPP and if they would get party tickets, Patel said "only powerful and competent candidates will be given tickets."

According to GPP, it has received over 1,158 applications from aspiring candidates for 182 constituencies.