Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi began his whirlwind campaign tour in his home State Gujarat on Wednesday.
Addressing a rally in Surendranagar Mr. Modi invoked the spirit of nationalism. “We need to form our government at the Centre. But wiping out the Congress and staking claim to the seat of power is not our only aim. Our aim is to be ‘labourer number one’. My body is prepared to do all the majdoori [labour] that is needed for the sake of Bharat Mata.”
The Surendranagar seat is currently with the Congress. The BJP has fielded Devjibhai Fatepura against sitting Congress MP Somanbhai Patel.
Mr. Modi also addressed a rally in Kalol, Gandhinagar, in support of BJP candidate and senior leader L.K. Advani. He praised Mr. Advani for leading a “blemish free” political life and vowed to offer clean government at the Centre.
The Gujarat Chief Minister, who was hitherto absent from the poll scene in Gujarat, plans to campaign in Congress strongholds in the State. The BJP has claimed to win all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat.
Mr. Modi is also set to address rallies in Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha.
