Gujarat Congress president Siddharth Patel termed the ban imposed by the state government on Jaswant Singh’s book on Partition as improper. Patel criticised the government’s decision while touring Saurashtra for the forthcoming Assembly by-polls. Patel accused BJP of double standards on the issue of ban on Singh’s book saying it has no impact any where.

“Whatever is going on in BJP is certainly going to affect national and state politics as well. We are heading towards gaining power in Gujarat,” said Patel during his brief stay at Junagadh on Saturday while campaigning for Kodinar by-polls.

He told The Indian Express: “Putting a ban on Jaswant Singh’s book is improper. In fact, BJP and its leaders need to change their ideology. BJP will have no impact anywhere in Gujarat or outside.”

At present, the Congress holds six of the seven Assembly seats that go for the by-polls. Patel said Congress intends to win all the seven seats. Earlier in the day, Patel inaugurated the Congress candidate’s central election office in Kodinar town in Junagadh district. “Our top priority is to win all seven assembly seats for which by-elections are scheduled next month,” he said.

Terming the Congress victory in the Junagadh Municipal Corporation election held recently as a significant success for the party, he said, “The BJP could not digest the defeat. Success in the JMC election will make much difference in the days to come.”

The Congress leader also drew attention to the fact that of the elections for 36 seats in various municipalities across the state, the Congress has already won four seats uncontested.

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