Cyclone takes wind out of poll campaigns in Gujarat

RAJKOT/AHMEDABAD/SURAT: Even as cyclone Ockhi weakened into a deep depression on Tuesday evening before reaching the Gujarat coast, political bigwigs in the state, including BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, cancelled their rallies in the state for the day.

While Gandhi made it to the state and addressed a rally in Anjar Kutch, he called off three other election meetings planned in Morbi, Dhrangadhra and Surendranagar town. He was scheduled to use a helicopter to reach each of the venues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the other hand appealed to BJP workers to extend a helping hand to those who would likely be hit by the cyclone.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in most places with heavy rainfall at isolated places in Saurashtra and south Gujarat as Ockhi neared the coast.

Shah's poll rallies scheduled on Tuesday in Rajula town of Amreli and Mahuva and Shihor of Bhavnagar district have been cancelled.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's roadshow in Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad was also cancelled due to light showers since early morning, Bapunagar MLA Jagroopsinh Rajput said.

The BJP also called off rallies and press conferences of Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Surat.

Former Congress strongman Shankersinh Vaghela, who floated his 'Jan Vikalp' front, was also forced to cancel his road shows and rallies in Junagadh, and Mahuva and Palitana towns of Saurashtra.

"With cyclone Ockhi expected to make a landfall in Gujarat, I appeal to BJP Gujarat karyakartas (workers) to focus on helping people across the state. Our karyakartas should devote themselves to providing all possible assistance and stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow citizens," Modi tweeted.

Surat BJP president Nitin Bhajiawala said, "We have asked all our workers to be in the field, especially in areas where people live in kutcha houses, slum and semi-slum areas and to help them on their needs."

BJP candidate from Majura constituency Harsh Sanghavi moved with his team to Azadnagar, Rasoolabaad and Ambedkarnagar slums on Tuesday afternoon and explained people about the do's and don't during the cyclonic condition.

"We have prepared food packets and other emergency items ready for the people of my constituency. We have also acquired JCB machines along with the team of people to move around in the constituency wherever people would require assistance," Sanghavi said.

Congress candidate from Kamrej Ashok Jirawala said, "After the devastating floods in 2006, this would probably the largest natural disaster faced by people in Surat. The rains have been continuing and there are many in my constituencies who have been shifted to safer place. I and my workers have decided to stay in the field and help the people."

"This is the time when people need us the most," Congress candidate from Limbayat Dr Ravindra Paatil said. "I have been moving around in the areas and explaining the residents in my constituency to stay indoors due to the cyclonic storm. This is the emotional way to connect with the voters," he added.