From: dnaindia.com
Published: Wednesday, Apr 18, 2012, 16:12 IST
By Rishi Banerji | Place: Surat | Agency: DNA
Though there is dissatisfaction among Patel community members in Surat, what is still favouring BJP is its agenda of Hindutva. It is because of BJP’s hardliner Hindutva image that Patidar community members are still very attached to the party rather than to others.
Opposition parties are trying hard to change their image on Hindutva, but their attempts haven’t being successful as yet.
The Patel community or Patidars are very sensitive about Hinduism. Religion is very much linked to politics in the community.
The party that openly supports them in their customs and activities wins their votes. After gaining ground from VHP, BJP has gone deep into the Patidar stronghold. It supports most of the community’s activities.
“Though there is anger among Patels, they are in a dilemma. Whom to support in the political battle if not BJP,” a Patel leader from Varachha said on condition of anonymity.
This can be understood from the number of leaders BJP has generated in Gujarat from Patidar community. Till today, Congress and MJP have ex-BJP leaders like Shankarsinh Vaghela and Gordan Zadaphiya, to name a few.
“Till today Patidars feel personal reasons and differences with party’s ideology were the main reasons why some leaders left BJP.
Also, BJP has strong connections with religious leaders of Patidar community, which is also a driving force during elections,” a political analyst said.
The Congress also understands this and is trying for an image makeover especially for Patidars. A man associated with the community has been appointed as Surat city Congress president, while new faces have been added in Patel-dominated areas.
Still the party is not as confident as BJP while MJP still has to develop its base in the Patel community. “We are working hard and are trying our best to make Patels realise that BJP is just fooling them. People also understand this and are supporting us in every sphere.
We are confident that we will create a big impact during elections this time,” Ashok Jirawala, city Congress president, said.
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