Gujarat CM Slams Opposition's 30-Year Absence From Grassroots Ahead of Polls

Speaking at a 'Vikas Sankalp Sabha' in Dima village, Patel said: "In the election history of the last 30 years, the absence of the opposition at the grassroots level and its tendency to remain distant from the people is clearly visible."

He further added that workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have consistently remained among citizens and have worked at the ground level.

The Chief Minister said electoral politics has undergone a significant shift in recent years.

"As a result of the standards established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of seeking votes based on work, elections have become centred on the politics of development," he said, adding that this approach has brought positive changes in society and ensured that benefits have reached citizens.

Patel said political parties are now required to present an account of their work and future planning before voters.

"The government has continued to make improvements based on public feedback and functions with public participation and trust," he said.

Referring to development in the state, Patel said there has been a visible transformation compared to earlier conditions.

He noted that there was a time when basic facilities such as water, roads, and electricity were not adequately available, but the state has since made significant progress in these sectors.

"Due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of always setting high targets, there has been a major positive transformation in the country and in Gujarat," he said.

Patel said the work of providing water to every household is progressing, and efforts are being made to ensure that no pond remains without water by supplying excess Narmada water.

"In the interest of farmers, an important decision has been taken to convert old and new tenure lands into old tenure in the 7/12 records without paying any premium," he said.

The Chief Minister further said that road infrastructure has expanded across Gujarat and that work has commenced on establishing a GIDC at Dudhva near Dima.

Referring to healthcare, he said: "Under the Ayushman scheme, poor and middle-class families are receiving free treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh, which has led to positive changes in many households."

He said inclusive growth remains necessary for national development.

"For the development of the country, it is essential that the last person is brought into the mainstream of development," Patel said, adding that the vision of a developed India requires the creation of a developed Gujarat through collective efforts.

He also appealed to citizens to vote in large numbers in favour of BJP candidates in the upcoming elections.

- IANS