Campaigning intensifies in poll-bound Rajasthan

Jaipur – All political parties contesting in the Rajasthan election have intensified their efforts in the last leg of campaigning in the state.

Polling for 199 seats will be held on December 1.

Today, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will address an election rally in Banswara, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will address a rally in Ajmer.

BJP President Rajnath Singh will also address election meetings in Jalor, Jodhpur and Barmer districts.

The upcoming election in Rajasthan is being seen as a litmus test for both the BJP and the Congress ahead of the 2014 general elections.

Rajasthan is currently governed by a Congress Government. The counting of votes will take place on December 8.

Modi had earlier said the development in Rajasthan has come to a standstill under the Ashok Gehlot-led regime.

Addressing a rally here recently, Modi criticised the Gehlot Government for ignoring the tourism sector of the state, which he said is a huge revenue generator.

“Due to the poor policies of the Gehlot Government, the number of tourists visiting the state is decreasing day by day. It is an issue of serious concern,” he added.

Reminding people about the steep rise in prices of basic commodities, Modi accused Congress leaders of acquiring a mastery over making big promises and not fulfilling them.

“People must reply to the Congress by not voting for them in the coming assembly election,” he added.

However, Rahul Gandhi had accused the BJP of dividing the people on the basis on region, religion and caste to win the upcoming elections.

“Congress says that we have to get everyone together for India to progress. Opposition says we have to divide India. Divide Hindus and Muslims, divide rich and poor, this is their thought process,” he said.