Election 2019: NCP may canvas for Amit Shah’s rival

Ahmedabad: Although the victory of BJP president Amit Shah is almost certain, the battle for the Gandhingar Lok Sabha seat is becoming interesting with his rival not giving up.

While the BJP does not want to leave anything to chance, Congress candidate and Gandhinagar legislator Dr C.J. Chawada is campaigning very hard to woo voters.

The Gandhinagar seat comprises seven Assembly segments of which the BJP won five and the Congress two in 2017. Though Patel voters comprise the largest section, the caste factor doesn’t work because of the urb-an nature of the constituency.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, BJP stalwart L.K. Advani won the seat by 4.83 lakh votes.

With Mr Shah away on the nationwide campaign, a team of his close aides in the party is looking after his canvassing here. “We have a ready network of party workers. We have formed groups of five to seven workers for each of the 1,977 booths,” said Mr Harshad Patel, who is handling the campaign of Mr Shah.

Mr Shah has held two road shows and five group meetings so far in Gandhinagar. He has also met with community leaders in his constituency. He is expected to hold another road show on April 21, the last day of campaign for the third phase of elections on April 23. Party leaders are believed to have set a target of achieving a record margin of victory.

The Congress’ Dr Chawada is hopeful. Asked about having to take on a high-profile leader, Dr Chawada said, “I am not scared. In fact, Amit Shah’s candidature will benefit me because everybody now knows his nature. People are not happy with the BJP.”

Dr Chawada is focusing on rural areas and talking about the promises which the BJP has not fulfilled. He is eyeing the Patidars who are believed to be unhappy with Mr Shah.

Former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela, who is with the NCP, is expected to campaign for Dr Chawada. Both leaders enjoy good relations.

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