Surat prestige battle for BJP after GST, Patidar stir

Elections have become a prestige issue for BJP in Surat following GST that had an adverse impact on the diamond and textile businesses here. The ruling party also faces a challenge from a sizeable vote base of Patidars who seem to have turned hostile since the quota agitation.

PAAS chief Hardik Patel enjoys a huge support among members of his community in Surat. People have been turning up in large numbers for his public programmes and waiting patiently to hear him.

Aware that a dismal performance here could be interpreted as a ‘referendum’ on GST, PM Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani have held separate public meetings. BJP is facing a tough battle in Varachha Road, Kamrej, Kapodara and Katargam. BJP has repeated its candidate Kumar Kanani in Varachha Road. He is contesting against former Congress MLA Dhiru Gajera.

Sensing an opportunity, Congress has pressed its senior-most leaders to capitalise on the disenchantment.

Former PM Manmohan Singh managed to ruffle BJP feathers when he attacked Modi for ‘flaunting’ his humble origins for ‘political gains’.

He also slammed the government on the manner in which GST has been implemented.

Congress also fielded former commerce minister Anand Sharma and young leaders like Sachin Pilot to hold meetings with small gatherings to convince them that they should vote for it. Hardik Patel’s meeting with Naresh Patel, chairperson of Shree Khodaldham Trust, the apex body of Leuva Patels, and claim that the body supports him, may trouble BJP.

Himmatbhai Chiroya, a Leuva Patel, says the textile business in Surat is the worst affected. He says he would not be surprised if “BJP does badly in Saurashtra as cotton and groundnut farmers back home have not got their due”.