Ahmedabad, Dec. 11 (ANI): The announcement of L K Advani’s elevation as the Bharatiya Janata Party's next Prime Ministerial candidate has not gone down well within the state, as the electorate of Gujarat doesn’t seem to be impressed with this sudden development.

Common voters are saying that the elections are being fought on the local issues and the Advani factor will have no bearing on poll results.

The timing of the announcement, a day before polling in Gujarat was aimed at telling the state electorate that if voted to power in the next general elections, a representative of the state will be in charge of Delhi seem to not working in as of now.

Political commentators termed it a political gimmick and a desperate attempt to woo voters.

“Gujarat voters are very smart; they can’t be impressed by such an announcement at the last moment. They would not accept the gimmick, it’s a political gimmick and is a desperate attempt to get votes. It is a referendum for Modi whether he wins or loses, Advani hasn’t much role to play, ” said Hari Desai, a noted political commentator and Chairman of the Center for Education, Research and Progress.

“For Advani we always used a word in Gujarati’ Tragu” whenever there is an election Advani tries to force something on the party. Advani is rather scared of Modi and Modi winning or losing will have a definite impact on national leadership that is why Advani was very keen of leadership, ” he added.

The opposition Congress party was also dismissive about the announcement, with Pradesh Congress Committee Spokesperson Nirupam Nanavaty terming the development premature and childish at this juncture.

The state BJP unit claims that the announcement would have some bearing on electioneering in the state. (ANI)