Is this why PM Narendra Modi is visiting Gujarat so frequently?

Absence of Narendra Modi in Gujarat after he became the prime minister created a leadership vacuum in state BJP. The situation was exploited by the Congress in local body elections and also by caste-based leaders. Together, they pose a serious challenge to the BJP in Gujarat election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Gujarat today - third time in October, ninth time this year and about a dozenth time in the past one-and-a-half years. Narendra Modi's Gujarat itinerary includes inauguration and and laying down of foundation stones of a number of projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts.

This could be PM Modi's last visit to Gujarat before the Election Commission announces poll dates for the state. The poll panel has already clarified that the election process in Gujarat will be over by December 18, the date of counting of votes for Himachal Pradesh polls.

PM Narendra Modi previously visited Gujarat on October 8 and also on October 16. The increased frequency of PM Modi's visit to Gujarat is clearly a part of the BJP's election strategy in the state, where it is facing some serious challenges.