The BJP leaders, including PM Modi, who are talking about the recent local body elections of Uttar Pradesh in Gujarat election campaign, today got all the newly-elected 14 mayors to Surat for campaigning.

These mayors from UP will be taking part in campaigning of first and second phase. All of them will be given an area where they have to campaign along with other leaders. The move has created controversy as Congress feels that Modi's impact has been weakened and model of Gujarat has failed.

"Issue of development has been replaced by issues like religion. BJP don't want to speak on development. All top leaders of BJP are doing campaigning in Gujarat. Most MLAs, ministers from other states are in the state, but my question is If Gujarat model was so successful then why BJP needs all these leaders to do campaigning? This shows failure of BJP," said Congress leader from MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Defending BJP's side, UP state chief Mahendranath Pande said, "They are here as BJP workers. Where ever party requires them they will be asked to go. PM Modi's leadership has not weakened at all."

In Gujarat campaign, issue of religion has become a main issue and now after Kapil Sibal recent statement on Babri Masjid.

This issue has been escalated further. BJP is going after Congress all guns blazing asking them to clarify their official stand on this issue.

"Congress has never cleared its stand on this issue. First, they should clear it. They have always confused people. Honorable HC has given decision in favor of Ram Mandir, but few had approached Supreme Court where decisions is awaited, " said Mayor of Ayodhya Hrishikesh Upadhay, who is also part of 14 members delegation of BJP mayors from UP.