Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday Nov 20,2017 filed his nomination papers for the Assembly elections from his home town Rajkot West constituency.
Ahead of filing his nomination, Rupani took a scooter ride in the narrow lanes of Rajkot and reached out to his supporters. As he rode a pillion, supporters from the neighbourhood rushed to the street greeting him and welcoming him in their area.
A former Mayor of Rajkot city, Rupani had first contested from Rajkot West constituency in October 2014, after former Gujarat Speaker Vajubhai Vala and seven-time MLA from the seat was made Karnataka Governor in September 2014.
Rupani's popularity in the constituency could be measured from the voting margin he received in the by-polls, in 2014, when he defeated his opponent Jayanti Kalaria from Congress with a vote margin of over 23,000 votes.
Addressing a public meeting before heading to file his nomination, Rupani said, "The Congress is asking for a chance to rule Gujarat. They had all the chances for 45 years after Independence. What they gave was frequent riots and anarchy. It is only after 2003 the riots have stopped. Our government has given peace and communal harmony in the State. BJP, Modi and Gujarat are the synonyms of progress."
Leaving to file my nomination papers from Rajkot (West). Overwhelmed with the good wishes from all. Gujarat is proud to carry on the legacy of good governance started by PM Shri @narendramodi. I am confident that people of Gujarat will shower their love once again.
In a tweet in the morning, Rupani stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes as he started for filing his nomination papers.
The Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi Ji called up to convey best wishes as I file my nomination papers. Thank you very much Sir. You have always been a source of inspiration and strength. Your words mean a lot to me. Thanks again for your best wishes.
Arun Jaitley, who accompanied Rupani for filing the nomination, stated that BJP has provided a stable government in Gujarat.
"BJP government stands for growth, stability and development. The forces that are fighting against us represent anarchy. In the past two-and-a-half decades, BJP has provided stable government with progress... The Opposition forces are making efforts to bring a situation of anarchy in Gujarat."
Traditionally considered as a safe ground for BJP, the election battle for Rajkot West constituency has become a close battle after the Congress fielded its sitting MLA from the neighbouring constituency Rajkot East and strong face - Indranil Rajguru against Rupani.
Rajkot West is not only the largest constituency in Saurashtra region - with over 3.15 lakh voters, but has high concentration of businessmen, entrepreneurs, academicians and influencers, who have traditionally been BJP supporter.
Voters from the communities such as Patidars, Brahmin, Baniya will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of Rupani.
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