Gujarat rejected Congress’ divisive, casteist politics: Rupani

Ahmedabad, Dec 18 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday said the people of the state had rejected the "divisive and casteist politics" of the Congress and voted for the BJP's development model.

Rupani also said the Parliamentary Board of the party will decide on the Chief Ministerial candidate.

"The people of the state have rejected the divisive and casteist politics of Congress," Rupani told the media here with the BJP poised to retain Gujarat.

He said that people of the state voted for BJP's "development model" as it was able to retain power for the sixth consecutive term despite being in power for last 22 years.

Lashing out at the Congress for using "cheap words" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rupani said, "The Congress leaders used cheap words for the Prime Minister and polluted the atmosphere of the state."

"But the people of the state reposed their faith in the policies of Modi," he said.

He also said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah kept on guiding the party during the elections and provided leadership to them.

"Amit Shahji always kept on guiding us and he always led from the front," he said.

Asked if he would be appointed Chief Minister again, Rupani said the decision would be taken at a meeting of the party Parliamentary Board.

The ruling BJP was on Monday set to retain power in Gujarat, while the Congress again settled for second place but with an improved showing.