Narendra Modi pulls coup, gets Irfan Pathan to bowl for BJP

Cricketer Irfan Pathan today shared the stage with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the campaign rally of BJP, the party which is trying to appease minority community voters in the state.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi talks with cricketer Irfan Pathan at an election campaign rally at Kheda near Ahmadabad.

During the rally for the second phase polling in the state, Irfan was seen standing besides the Chief Minister on the huge stage.

Irfan, who belongs to Vadodara and has been forced out of cricketing action by an injury, waved his hands to a huge gathering of supporters, who had come to listen Modi's speech.

In September 2011, Modi had launched 'Sadbhavana Mission' for peace and amity and to appease minority community voters.

However, the BJP has not fielded any candidate from the minority community for the Assembly elections.

Central Gujarat comprises the tribal and minority dominated belt of Panchmahal and Dahod and the Patel-dominated belt of Kheda, Anand and Vadodara.

The first phase of Assembly elections are scheduled for tomorrow while the second phase voting is on December 17. Counting of votes is on December 20.

Speaking at the rally, Modi said, "The menace of price rise will uproot the Congress."

"Gujarat has a strong co-operative sector in milk production and even Congress leaders in Delhi consume milk from Gujarat. Yet, they have placed 30 per cent tax on milk due to which its prices have increased," he said.

Likewise, due to rising diesel prices, the cost of vegetables has also increased, he said.

If someone promises something and fails to deliver on it, the person has a duty to come to the people and state the reason of being unable to fulfil the promise, but when Sonia Gandhi came to Gujarat she did not say a word on rising prices, the Chief Minister said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

UPA govt has no moral right to be in power, says Amit Shah

Sajjan Kumar acquittal: Sikh protesters march towards PM's residence

Uma Bharti confident of BJP's victory in MP Assembly elections

Markandeya Katju appeals for release of Sanaullah