Rebels may not dent BJP fortunes
Modi-baiters may have been asking voters to oust the CM to avenge humiliation of Keshubhai Patel, but the former CM has refrained from exercising his franchise.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Modi-baiters may have been asking voters to oust the CM to avenge “humiliation” of Keshubhai Patel, but the former CM on Tuesday refrained from exercising his franchise.
While his followers described his decision as an “expression of his unhappiness with the BJP leadership”, the BJP sought to project it as yet another indicator of the reluctance of party’s traditional voters — the Patel community — to back the Congress.
The BJP rebels have been using Mr Patel’s image and remarks made against Mr Modi for garnering votes for the Congress. The Congress has been heavily banking on a division in the BJP’s traditional base of Patels to upset Mr Modi’s calculations. Although there has been resentment among Keshubhai’s Leuva kinsmen, recent surveys have shown that the other sub-sect of Patels — Kardvas — are firmly with the BJP.
The perceived loss of prominence of Patels in the BJP is also seen to be helping the BJP’s bid to win over Thakurs. The BJP has also made significant inroads among other castes like Mahers, Ahirs, Prajapatis, Rabaris, Kharwas, Sarvards and Kolis. — Our Political Bureau
The non-Leuva Patel upper castes have remained steadfast in their support for the BJP. Exit polls conducted for TV channels also suggested that there has been no major setback for the BJP in the Kutch-Saurashtra region. Tuesday saw polling in 87 seats. One exit poll put the BJP’s tally from the first phase at 48. This indicates only a marginal loss for the BJP.
In the other regions, the rebellion in the BJP is a non-issue.The exit poll predictions are sure to dampen the Congress’ spirits as the next round of polls will be held in region where the BJP is comfortably placed. Incidentally, Mr Modi has been drawing huge crowds in the rallies addressed by him in the central and north Gujarat seats.
While his followers described his decision as an “expression of his unhappiness with the BJP leadership”, the BJP sought to project it as yet another indicator of the reluctance of party’s traditional voters — the Patel community — to back the Congress.
The BJP rebels have been using Mr Patel’s image and remarks made against Mr Modi for garnering votes for the Congress. The Congress has been heavily banking on a division in the BJP’s traditional base of Patels to upset Mr Modi’s calculations. Although there has been resentment among Keshubhai’s Leuva kinsmen, recent surveys have shown that the other sub-sect of Patels — Kardvas — are firmly with the BJP.
The perceived loss of prominence of Patels in the BJP is also seen to be helping the BJP’s bid to win over Thakurs. The BJP has also made significant inroads among other castes like Mahers, Ahirs, Prajapatis, Rabaris, Kharwas, Sarvards and Kolis. — Our Political Bureau
The non-Leuva Patel upper castes have remained steadfast in their support for the BJP. Exit polls conducted for TV channels also suggested that there has been no major setback for the BJP in the Kutch-Saurashtra region. Tuesday saw polling in 87 seats. One exit poll put the BJP’s tally from the first phase at 48. This indicates only a marginal loss for the BJP.
In the other regions, the rebellion in the BJP is a non-issue.The exit poll predictions are sure to dampen the Congress’ spirits as the next round of polls will be held in region where the BJP is comfortably placed. Incidentally, Mr Modi has been drawing huge crowds in the rallies addressed by him in the central and north Gujarat seats.
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