As part of poll strategy for the local self-Government bodies, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Tuesday avoided Patel-dominated areas and instead focused on migrants in her first road show campaign in Ahmedabad.
The road-show was organised in view of upcoming Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections to be held onNovember 22. The Gujarat CM opted to visit different areas in the eastern parts of Ahmedabad where migrant localities having large population especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Patel also made it a point to take part in the Chhat Pooja organized by the migrant workers from Bihar accompanied by some of her cabinet colleagues and MlAs with a view to striking a chord with voters who have come from Bihar and settled down in the city. Thousands of Biharis accumulated on the banks of River Sabarmati for ‘Chhath Puja’.
In wake of on-going pro-quota agitation of Patel community for reservation in government jobs and education under OBC category, Anandiben avoided Patel dominated localities of Ghatlodia and Chandolia which are part her assembly constituency where supporters of the pro-quota agitation led by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) have put up “No Entry” sign boards at the entrance of residential colonies for poll campaign.
“These areas are considered as BJP bastions. The pro-quota agitation has changed the situation there. Despite the fact, the saffron party will have upper hand in Patel dominated areas as they didn’t have other choice than BJP,” said a senior BJP leader.
Some supporters of jailed PAAS convener Hardik Patel tried to protest during elections rallies of ruling BJP leaders in Vadodara and Surat districts. However, quickly situations were taken under control by the local police. Some of the PAAS agitators were detained by the police and later on released. To avoid such situation, the saffron party has decided to rely on door-to-door campaign instead of holding public meetings or road-shows, especially in the Patel dominated constituencies.
On Wednesday, national vice-president of BJP Parashotam Rupala will address BJP workers meeting and also meet leading citizens in the eastern part of Ahmedabad and parts of Gandhinagar district.
Interestingly, opposition Congress party too avoiding public meetings and banking on door-to-door campaigns for the upcoming polls of six Municipal Corporations. As part of the strategy, Congress is not bringing big leaders for the campaign instead the oldest party has instructed its candidates to visit door-to-door and meet voters personally.