Election Results 2014: Vadodara gives a tremendous tribute to Narendra Modi

VADODARA: Though Narendra Modi may give up the Vadodara seat, the city’s tribute to their hero was evident on Friday.

At 9 am, only a handful of souls were visible on the roads. Signs of life were evident only at the MS University’s Polytechnic College, where the poll counting centre had been established. Vadodara had given Modi a record victory margin of over 5.70 lakh votes.

Former Vadodara MP Bala Krishna Shukla said, “It’s a matter of pride that Vadodara has given victory to BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.” Shukla handled Modi’s campaign in the city and credited his party workers for ensuring that maximum people came out to vote. “There was nearly 21% more voting than last time,” he said.

To avoid any untoward incidence, Vadodara’s oldest mosque, Juma Masjid, had declared to hold Friday afternoon prayers half hour before the usual time of 1:30 pm. Muslim dominated areas like Panigate, Yakutpura and Maachipit also remained shut during early hours of counting.

“This Friday is unlike other Fridays. It looks more like Baroda’s typical lazy Sundays,” quipped an amazed police constable posted at Fatehgunj area, usually bustling with morning activity. Baroda railway station and bus depot, old city shopping areas like Dandiya Bazaar and Mandvi too saw considerably less movement.

A shopkeeper at Mandvi summed up the mood, not regretting the lack of shoppers, but saying, “I will go home to watch the (BJP) victory after shutting shop in the afternoon.” The stretch between Polytechnic College and Fatehgunj Circle saw hordes of BJP workers arrive prepared with sweets, firecrackers, music and a large television screen for live election broadcast. The ‘Modi Modi’ chant echoed outside the counting station, with each addition in the number of seats. By the time evening had come, the crowds swelled and celebrations continued.