THE NATIONAL SHADOW

While most assembly elections are fought on state issues, in Gujarat more than anywhere else, they are fought in the shadow of national politics. While the BJP is banking on the popularity of PM Narendra Modi, the AAP’s fortunes will be decided by the recall value of Arvind Kejriwal and the promise inherent in the Delhi model. For the Congress, the elections are a battle for relevance given the very real threat that AAP could pip it

For Gujarat, like they were once in Delhi and Punjab, the AAP is a fresh third alternative. Their campaign has been much more visible, with party convener Arvind Kejriwal making a serious effort to make a dent in Gujarat.

The party, which got 0.1% votes in 2017, may still lack the organisational wherewithal across the state.

A former labourer and police constable, along with former journalist Idhudhan Gadhvi, Italia has emerged as the AAP’s local face. Outspoken and belligerent, he is a rousing speaker, and has the advantage of being a Patidar (he was one of the leaders that emerged from the Patidar agitation).