Two more Hardik aides become part of saffron party

TwoprominentleadersofthePatidarquotastirjoined theBharatiyaJanataParty(BJP) on Saturday, a possible boost for thesaffronpartythatislookingto winoverthedisgruntledcommunityaheadofDecemberassembly elections.

KetanPatelandAmrishPatel were both conveners of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS),whosechiefHardikPatel islockedinnegotiations withthe Congress over a demand for quota for Patidars in government jobs and education.

With this move, five of Hardik’s closest aides have deserted hi and joined the BJP. Only two senior quota protest leaders – Dinesh Bambania and Alpesh Kathiriya – are with the outfit.

The Congress is wooing HardikinabidtoweanawaythePatidars,whohavetraditionallysupportedtheBJPbutareangryover beingdeniedquotasandOBCstatus. The Patidars can influence the outcome in 60-odd seats in a 182-member assembly. The BJP says Hardikis just oneofseveral Patidar leaders, most of whom are with the saffron party.

KetanandAmrishwereco-accused in a sedition case along with Hardik. But Amrish was neverarrestedandKeteninFebruary turned approver.

“The aim of the Patidar agitation was never to work in favour of one political party to defeat another. Sadly today few so-calledPatidarleadersareupto the same and quota issue has been put on back burner,” said Amrish soon after joining the BJP. The reference appeared to Hardik’s statements about the PAAS aiming to ensure a BJP defeat.

There are voices galore against the BJP in Saurashtra. But are there votes aplenty for the Congress?

Thejigsawgetstrickier as one engages with people young and old on the streets, at roadside kiosks and in local agriculture marts. Theangerthat’s palpable is only a dip test. It isn’t yet electorally quantifiable.

A perspective nevertheless can be attempted against the experience of past elections — in 2002,2007and2012—theBJPwon under Narendra Modi’s direct command. Even passing criticism of the government or the chief minister in those times begot dirty stares —and scorn.

Crowdswouldriseandrecede in wavesatModi’spublicrallies, including those in the 2014 elections. He held his audience in thrall. Theycaptive, hethecaptivator.

Acontrastsuggestiveofdiminishingappealhasbeennoticedat the PM’s recent meetings in the state. Yet many believe history might repeat itself once he gets into the arenafull throttle, in his avatar as the Prime Minister from Gujarat.

Will he or can he rekindle the love affair that appears to have gone sour? That’s the questions thescepticsask,mindfulasmuch of the Modilurecoupledwithhis party’s ground strength. The BJP’s phenomenal reach in the state is cogently summed by its spokesmanBharatPandya.“The Congress cannot match our eye contact with voters....”

Butthe saffron party’s door to door canvassing is a recognition as much of the challenge it faces. It’seitherworriedorunwillingto leave anything to chance in the regionwith48assemblyconstituencies. The 150 seat target in the 182-strong House is the highest the party ever set for itself.

Is the BJP’s boast realisable? On the 300-km Ahmedabad-Rajkot stretch through Surendra

AHMEDABAD: RAJKOT: