5 Factors that go against Narendra Modi

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi is seen as the "Pride of Gujarat" in many circles. He successfully ruled Gujarat for more than 10 years and seeks another terms in office in the forthcoming elections. However, this time, he may not have a smooth ride.

A rejuvenated Congress and opposition within BJP's own ranks may spoil Modi's plans to sweep the Gujarat polls for the third time in a row. There are 5 solid factors that may well go against Modi and his party.

1) Anti-incumbency Factor:

This is the biggest factor that may go against Modi. Many states in India, in the past, had witnessed the same situation. Remember Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu's loss in the last assembly elections? He did a commendable job in his state and received accolade in and abroad. However, still he suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of opposition Congress. Modi has ruled the state for more than 10 years. It is quite possible that people may have been disenchanted with his rule and would go for a change.

2) Sonia's Salvo:

If Modi fears anyone, that is Congress President Sonia Gandhi. In the past, Modi had launched scathing attacks on Sonia's political knowledge and even questioned her credibility as an Indian. However, things have taken a different turn this time. Sonia has been addressing a number of rallies in Gujarat and is drawing more crowds than Modi. She has been attacking Modi on development, water, electricity and terrorism. With Sonia's charisma is clearly visible in her rallies, Modi has a reason to worry.

3) Keshubhai's disapproval of Modi:

Veteran BJP leader and former Gujarat CM Keshubahi Patel is still licking his wounds for his unceremonious exit that put Modi in charge of Gujarat. He strongly disapproved Modi as the Chief Minister and attacked his policies. In a recent interview, he gave a 50 - 50 chance of winning the Gujarat elections. Keshubahi's statements in media have compounded Modi and BJP's problems to a great extent. The powerful Patel community that always backed Keshubahi Patel is likely to drift away from Modi this time.

4) BJP Rebels:

The rebel BJP MLAs, who are contesting on Congress tickets after being expelled from the party, are all set to cause headache for CM Narendra Modi. They have already launched a tirade against Modi and using media and other campaigns to make a dent in Modi's den. Other BJP MLAs, who were denied tickets this time, are said to be in touch with the rival groups to offer their tacit support. In such a scenario, BJP may lose a considerable percentage of its traditional vote bank.

5) Faulty Development Plank:

Modi is fighting the elections on development plank. It's true that he has put the state on the path of growth and development. However, the development is visible only in urban areas. If we go to rural areas, water, electricity, malnutrition and infertility still remain gray areas for people.

Those people hardly bother whether Gujarat has become a progressive state of not. They know they are not getting the basic things they need the most. That's a matter of concern for Modi. Although he tried his best to offer all possible support to the rural people, most of the promises still remain unfulfilled.