A test of Hardik’s popularity and Amit Shah’s micromanagement

As Gujarat gears up for the first phase of polling, what have stood out so far is the highdecibel campaigns by PM Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, which have turned out to be crowd-pullers .

But it is the battle between young Patidar leader Hardik Patel’s popularity and BJP president Amit Shah’s micro-level management that holds the key.

Gandhi’s aggressive and extensive canvassing has rejuvenated the Congress, which also got a shot in the arm with Hardik’s Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) declaring support for the party. The 24-year-old quota crusader has turned out to be the biggest star campaigner. He not only pulled huge crowds on the ground, but he was also a big draw on social media – where he minced no words to attack Modi and Shah .

“The Congress could not do much on its own as it lacks a strong network in Gujarat. But it remains to be seen if the crowds at Hardik’s rallies will translate into votes. Patidars are not happy with BJP but the party’s organisation is very strong and Shah has tried to strengthen it,” said political analyst Hari Desai.

With Patidars posing a challenge for the BJP, battling antiincumbency, Shah remained focused on mobilising grassroots workers. He began addressing rallies a week ahead of polling. Before that, Shah concentrated on strengthening the nearly 55,000 booth-level committees across the state in two phases.

While Gandhi’s visit to temples was seen as his ‘soft Hindutva approach’, minorities — especially Muslims — were largely ignored. Rather, the rise of young leaders like Hardik (Patidar), Alpesh Thakor (OBC) and Jignesh Mevani (Dalit), brought the caste factor back into play.

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