GPP candidate withdraws nomination, Maninagar set for direct battle between Modi, Shweta Bhatt

Ahmedabad: It is now going to be a direct battle between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress nominee and suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt. This comes after the Gujarat Parivartan Party candidate from Maninagar constituency withdrew his nomination. Earlier, Shweta Bhatt had appealed to all non-BJP candidates to withdraw their nominations so that she could put up a strong fight against Modi.

"I appeal to all the political parties which oppose BJP to support me in my political battle against the Gujarat Chief Minister... I appeal especially to GPP Chief Keshubhai Patel to withdraw his candidate," Bhatt told reporters on Sunday. In her maiden press conference, Bhatt said, "I am confident that Keshubhai will accept my appeal."

"I am not fighting this political battle for myself alone ... I am fighting it on behalf of entire Gujarat, so those who have faith in Indian constitution and democracy... political outfits and individuals should support me," she said. On being asked if she had a chance against Modi, Bhatt said, "Absolutely. I am going to win this election.

Earlier, Shweta had appealed to all non-BJP candidates to withdraw their nominations so that she could put up a strong fight against Modi.

"I am a very new entrant into politics... I have come with a true heart, to speak the truth, and want to do something." Asked what would be her response if Keshubhai Patel made a counter appeal, Bhatt said, "So far no such appeal has been made from GPP. If it comes, we would see."

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