Maulikk Buch , Gujarat: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Gujarat, a notable absence in the Lokarpan advertisement has sparked discussions. The advertisement, which highlighted various development projects inaugurated by Modi, conspicuously omitted the photograph of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Event
On his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several key development projects aimed at boosting Gujarat’s infrastructure and economy. These projects are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban and rural development, improve transportation networks, and promote sustainable growth. The Government of Gujarat promoted the completion of these projects through full-page advertisements in almost all newspapers in Vadodara.
The Missing Photograph
The Lokarpan advertisement, published in several local newspapers and displayed on various platforms, showcased the achievements and future plans of the Gujarat government. However, the absence of Amit Shah’s photograph has raised eyebrows, especially since many of the completed projects fall under the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, from where Amit Shah won elections. Known as the closest leader to Narendra Modi, Amit Shah’s photograph missing from the advertisement is quite unusual, given his significant role in both the state and central government.
Possible Reasons
Administrative Oversight: It is possible that the omission was a simple administrative error. Given the scale of the event and the number of details involved, such mistakes cannot happen as both Modi and Shah have strong roots in Gujarat.
Political Strategy: Some political analysts speculate that the omission might be a strategic move. With the upcoming elections, the focus might be deliberately kept on Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to consolidate their images as the primary leaders driving development in Gujarat.
Internal Dynamics: There could be internal dynamics within the party that led to this decision. While both leaders share a strong rapport, political strategies often involve complex considerations. The omission might suggest a power shift at the higher levels of the BJP or indicate internal conflicts over power with Shah.
RSS Influence: Another theory is that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has taken over the entire responsibility for the event, and due to internal conflicts over power with Shah, they intentionally omitted his photograph.
Public and Political Reactions
The public reaction has been mixed. Supporters of Amit Shah have expressed disappointment, while others believe it is a non-issue blown out of proportion.
Conclusion
While the missing photograph of Amit Shah in the Lokarpan advertisement has generated buzz, it remains to be seen whether this will have any lasting impact on the political landscape. As Prime Minister Modi continues his visit, the focus remains on the development projects and their potential to transform Gujarat.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think it was an oversight or a deliberate move?
About Maulikk Buch,
The author is a veteran journalist from Gujarat with more than 25 years of Experience in Journalism. He has been a well-known political analyst of Gujarat and National politics.
