Ram Nath Kovind’s nomination for President post to help BJP in Gujarat too

GANDHINAGAR: NDA’s presidential pick, Ram Nath Kovind’s influence among the Dalits stretches beyond Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Gujarat, where he is closely linked to the Koli community, which constitutes 18% of the state’s population. And his recent elevation is likely to make a resonance in the poll-bound state.

He has been in touch with the Koli community in Gujarat in his capacity as president of the Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj and has been visiting the state often in the past.

The Koli community, listed under the other backward classes (OBC) category in Gujarat, will be a deciding factor in 18 seats in Saurashtra region. They also have a strong presence in other parts of the state.


The BJP, while outlining Kovind’s links to Gujarat, issued a statement stating that “Shri Ramnath Kovindji is attached with Gujarat’s Koli Samaj for the past 15 years.” “Ever since Shri Kovindji became president of the Koli Samaj till last week (13-14 June), he continuously worked for the unity, education and betterment of the Koli section,” it added.

“He visited Bagodara, Surendranagar and Gondal last week and has been present at various Koli Samaj programmes and has given his guidance. Before that, he even participated as president of the Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj at a large gathering of the Koli Samaj at Junagadh and also at Prachi and Somnath. He has travelled from village-to-village in Gujarat,” it stated.

The consolidation of Koli voters would in more ways than one bring succour to BJP in the state which was staring at a possible erosion of its traditional Patidar voter base in the wake of the Patidar agitation for reservation under OBC quota.