Rahul’s ‘guarantee card’ failed in Raj, C’garh; won’t work in Mah: Fadnavis

 

 

MAHARASHTRADeputyChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis onThursdaypooh-poohedthe Congress’ plan to come out with a ‘guarantee card’ ahead oftheStateAssemblyelections, and said the ploy failed in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Leader of Opposition in the LokSabhaRahulGandhiwould be releasing a ‘guarantee card’ containing theparty’s election promises,StateCongressleaders have said. “Rahul Gandhi’s guarantee card did not help Congress retain power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh,” Fadnavis told reporters here. “He shouldalsoexplainwhy theguaranteecard is notbeing implementedinTelanganaand Himachal Pradesh, as promised. It will fail here too,” the BJP leader added. OntherulingBJP-ShivSenaNCP`Mahayuti’alliance’sstrategyfordealingwithrebelswho havefilednominationsagainst official candidates, Fadnavis saidalliance leaders including NCP chief Ajit Pawar had a meeting at CM Shinde’s residence on the issue.

 

“We have resolvedallthe issues, andyou will see many rebels withdrawing their nominations by November 4,” the BJP leader said,adding thattheywillhold discussionswiththerebelsand deal with their grievances. November 4 is the last date of withdrawalwhiletheelections will be held on November 20. “Nominations submittedby the‘Mahayuti’candidateshave cleared the scrutiny phase.We willstartourcampaignwithfull vigour from November 5,” Fadnavissaid.Askedaboutcity BJP leader and former MP Gopal Shetty who is contesting as an independent from Borivali Assembly constituency,FadnavissaidShettyisaloyalandhonestpartyworkerwho is “assertive” at times. “We are trying to persuade him (to withdraw),” he added. AstowhetherhewouldbewillingtoinductcontroversialNCP leaderNawabMalikinthenext Government if the Mahayuti retainedpower, Fadnavis said, “Our party is not even going to campaign for Malik, so there isnoquestionofinductinghimasaminister.Ourpartyisgoingto campaign for the Shiv Senacandidate who is contestingagainst Malik.”