Vadodara: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan on Sunday stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to be unseated from power in Gujarat for the next four to five decades, highlighting the party's consistent public backing in the state.
Pathan's Remarks on Gujarat Politics
Speaking to the media after casting his vote in the civic polls in Vadodara, Pathan emphasized that electoral success ultimately depends on the trust of the people. He asserted that parties which work on the ground and deliver development continue to receive voter support.
Pathan noted that Gujarat's electorate has historically prioritized development and governance over other factors. "Voting is everyone's fundamental right and it should be exercised wisely. People have voted for development here, and Gujarat has always chosen development," he said.
The TMC MP reiterated the BJP's entrenched position in Gujarat, making it difficult to dislodge the party from power in the foreseeable future. "The BJP cannot be removed from power in Gujarat for the next 40–50 years. A party that works for the people and is liked by them is preferred by voters," he remarked, attributing its dominance to consistent public support.
Comparison with West Bengal
Drawing a parallel with West Bengal, Pathan asserted that his party, the TMC, would also remain politically relevant there for decades due to its strong organizational network and grassroots cadre. "TMC won't go anywhere for 40–50 years because its cadre works there," he added.
Concerns Over Voter Turnout
Pathan also raised concerns about voter turnout figures, claiming that the percentage appeared lower due to the removal of a significant number of voters from electoral rolls. He argued that if those voters were included, turnout would have been substantially higher, dismissing any notion of a dramatic shift in participation.
His remarks came amid polling for local self-government institutions across Gujarat, covering 15 municipal corporations, including major urban centers, along with 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats.
Chief Minister's Appeal
Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel appealed to citizens to ensure maximum participation, calling voting not just a democratic right but a sacred civic duty. He urged voters to reach polling stations in large numbers and encourage others to do the same, pitching for "100 per cent voting" to strengthen grassroots democracy.
Patel said every vote contributes to the development of villages, talukas, districts, and cities, and called upon citizens to make the electoral exercise a "festival of democracy" in the journey towards a developed Gujarat and a developed India.
The counting of votes for the local body elections is scheduled to take place on April 28.
