BJP LOSES MANY SEATS IN VILLAGES

The BJP managed to win the Assembly elections in Gujarat despite an early scare, but took a huge hit in Saurashtra and rural Gujarat, which helped the Congress increase its tally.

An analysis of the results shows that the BJP retained its base in urban and semi-urban areas. It was the rural voters who deserted the party and shifted base to the Congress.

The saffron party won 55 seats out of 73 seats in urban areas; the Congress managed to get only 18 seats. It lost five seats — Jamnagar north, Rajkot South and Rajkot East, Mehmedabad, Himatnagar and Sanand.

In sharp contrast, rural Gujarat voted overwhelmingly in the Congress party’s favour leading to a gain of 23 seats. Of a total 109 seats in rural constituencies, the Congress won 62 while the BJP got 43.

However, it was its decent showing in North Gujarat which helped the BJP sail through. The Patidar vote, which had become a major factor following the Hardik Patel-led agitation for reservation for the Patels, was split. Patidars living in urban areas voted for the BJP, while those residing in the rural regions cast their ballot for the Congress.

North Gujarat had seen the biggest crowds at rallies organised by Hardik Patel’s Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti. However, Mr Patel belongs to the Kadva Patel community and the Kadva Patels are small in number in North Gujarat compared to the Leuva Patels, who are concentrated in North Gujarat. The BJP also seems to have benefited from the OBC votes. Despite Alpesh Thakor joining the Congress, many OBCs voted for the BJP in order to check Patel power.