Gujarat poll 2012: Cricketer Irfan Pathan in support of Gujarat CM Narendra Modi

KHEDA(GUJARAT): Cricketer Irfan Pathan on Wednesday shared the stage with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the campaign rally of BJP, the party which is trying to appease minority community voters in the state.

During the rally for the second phase polling in the state, Irfan was seen standing besides the Chief Minister on the huge stage.

Irfan, who belongs to Vadodara and has been forced out of cricketing action by an injury, waved his hands to a huge gathering of supporters, who had come to listen Modi's speech.

In September 2011, Modi had launched 'Sadbhavana Mission' for peace and amity and to appease minority community voters.

However, the BJP has not fielded any candidate from the minority community for the Assembly elections.

Central Gujarat comprises the tribal and minority dominated belt of Panchmahal and Dahod and the Patel-dominated belt of Kheda, Anand and Vadodara.

The first phase of Assembly elections are scheduled for tomorrow while the second phase voting is on December 17. Counting of votes is on December 20.