Just before the elections to be held in five states including UP, Punjab, PM Narendra Modi had withdrawn the agriculture laws, on the same lines, the BJP government of Gujarat has canceled the Tapi-Narmada river linking project. Modi was apprehensive that if the agriculture law is not withdrawn, the BJP may suffer in five election states. Similarly, the Gujarat government was apprehensive that if the plan went ahead, it might have to lose its tribal vote bank. Obviously elections are to be held in Gujarat this year. BJP is in no mood to take any risk.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the cancellation of the Tapi-Narmada river linking project. Fearing displacement, the people of the tribal community were protesting against this project. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi announced during his stay in Gujarat that the project would be canceled if his government was formed in the state. This warning of Rahul was alarm bell for BJP. The party knew that not only Rahul but also Kejriwal could cash in on the issue.
However, BJP’s Gujarat unit president CR Patil had said after meeting Amit Shah about two months ago that the Center would not go ahead with the project. But even after Patil’s assurance, the tribals’ protest continued. He was suspicious of the implementation of the project. He had expressed the apprehension of large scale displacement from the districts which will be affected by the project. It was here that the BJP felt that this issue could create such an unnecessary controversy which would remain as a life-long ruckus for the BJP in the elections.
Under damage control, CM Patel said that the Gujarat government did not give approval for this project. The state government has decided that it will not be taken forward under any circumstances. Respecting the sentiments of our tribal brothers and sisters, it has been decided to cancel the project. He said that any project of the Center can be taken forward only after the approval of the State Government. But Rahul Gandhi said that only after his visit to Dahod, Gujarat, under pressure, the BJP government of Gujarat canceled the Tapi-Narmada link project. That is, the Congress will not leave any stone unturned to take electoral advantage from this issue.