Gujarat assembly polls: Patels cross swords in Sabarmati

'I'm confident of winning by a huge margin'
“I’m confident of winning with a huge margin,” said an assured Arvind Patel, who is BJP's candidate from Sabarmati. The 58-year-old candidate started his campaign with a visit to the Khodiyar Mata temple, which impressed not only the goddess but also the people living nearby. The temple was abuzz with the BJP workers and supporters, who ensured that temple wears a festive look. Patel has come back to saffron fold and its imprint was visible on his appearance.

An example of that was his attire. Even his white stark kurta had saffron tinge to it. Standing in an open jeep, he could be seen waving hands to acknowledge the presence of people who had come out of their homes to have a glimpse. His supporters could be seen distributing leaflets bearing Patel’s photo. The reaction of the paanwala on the roadside was telling though. He exclaimed, “Lagta hai iss baar rajya me kamal ka phool khilega!” (It seems that lotus will blossom this year too).

As has become norm this election, Arvind Patel was greeted with flowers by various societies.

His bandwagon made the campaign a grand affair. Though it made the campaign look impressive, it missed people to people connect. As the rally passed through major roads and some of the societies, many people didn’t even know his name and were discussing about the huge BJP posters.

It's grassroots over upper class for Bharat Patel
The ideologies of both Congress and BJP seemed to determine their campaigning pattern. While BJP’s Arvind Patel went about his business by wooing the middle class, Congress nominee Bharat Patel went straight to the slums on the Sabarmati riverbed.
Bharat Patel's first visit was to the slum dwellers residing near railway crossing, also called as Sundarvan ke Chhapde. Walking through the narrow lanes, he said, “Is this development,” to a thunderous applause from the residents.

Patel not only moved across societies, he took time to talk to people and ask them about their problems. It struck a chord with the locals. Moved by their plight, the 49-year-old politician promised to provide them and sought their support.

His endeavour to meet people in person seemed to have worked with people discussing highly of him. “He seems a person who is rooted to ground level. He can help us” said Lata Bharwad, a housewife. Women of a Bharwad family watched with curiosity Patel’s campaign team.

Patel and his supporters had planned their campaign in such a way that intended to touch the different section of the society.  He also visited Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh in Sabarmati.