Gujarat Confidential: ‘12,000 Rajiv Gandhis’, Vaghela’s 2027 push and Congress strategy

Welcome to Gujarat Confidential, your inside track to the power corridors of the state. Today's focus is on the upcoming political landscape in Gujarat. The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, revealed a startling figure during a public address in Gujarat. In response to a question about when complaints regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) would be addressed, Kumar stated, "Do you know how many Rajiv Gandhis would be there in my electoral database?

Not less than 12,000." It seems not even a single individual could escape the imagined presence of a Rajiv Gandhi in this database.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela plans to launch an "aggressive campaign" in the 2027 Assembly election, his last opportunity to contest. Vaghela is reviving the Praja Shakti Party and held a meeting with over 500 supporters to discuss their move. Vaghela's message to the opposition was clear: they do not intend to join the Congress party but wish to ally with it to combat the BJP.

The 86-year-old Vaghela has been silent on the Congress so far, citing the fear of dividing the Opposition votes during previous contests.

The Congress party has strategized for the 2027 Assembly elections, given the internal discord within their Gujarat unit. Ranjeet Surjewala, the newly appointed AICC general secretary in-charge of Gujarat, will visit the state on September 12. His timing aligns with the BJP's new Gujarat in-charge, Tarun Chugh, who is also set to pay a visit to Gujarat.

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a unique initiative to encourage citizens to reduce plastic usage. Under this "plastic-for-Ganesha-idol" drive, citizens can surrender one kilogram of plastic waste in exchange for a Lord Ganesha idol, crafted from mud. This drive has been met with a warm reception, with over 1,200 kg of plastic waste collected in the first seven days alone.

SMC Health Committee chairman Ashok Randeriya informed that an additional 500 idols have been ordered and are expected to arrive soon. The SMC aims to instill a culture of reducing plastic usage among the public by providing an eco-friendly alternative - a Ganesha idol made from mud.