CM lets Faldu steal the party show that begins in Rajkot today

Political observers say this could be part of a well-crafted political strategy. Faldu is a Leuva Patel from Jamnagar district and fielding him as the show master could placate the powerful Patel community which is of late being mobilised by Modi-baiter and former CM Keshubhai Patel.

A grand welcome has already been planned for Faldu when he arrives here on Saturday. His convoy will include 350 motor-cyclists leading him for over three kilometres from Mahila College Chowk to the venue at Atmiya College on Kalawad Road. The entire stretch has been decorated with banners featuring his photos with Modi and national president Nitin Gadkari.

“There will be a grand welcome. People from all walks of life and profession have been invited to remain present at 11 am when motor-cyclists will lead the convoy to the venue,” said city BJP president Dhansukh Bhanderi.

Modi,party leaders said,would arrive in the afternoon,when the executive meet will be held to formulate the BJP’s strategy for the Assembly elections.

Though a few national BJP leaders,including V Satish,have arrived,Balbir Punj,who is in charge of part affairs in Gujarat,had not confirmed his presence till Friday.

Meanwhile,Friday’s development of BJP leader and Modi’s rival Sanjay Joshi relinquishing all party posts did not seem to cast a shadow or affect the mood for the meet.

State BJP spokesperson I K Jadeja,when asked about the Joshi affair,refused to comment.

Residents have water on mind

Even as Rajkot seemed ready to host the mega meet,residents faced with acute shortage of drinking water were seething with anger. “Does any of these big leaders including ministers coming to Rajkot know or bothered?” said S Pankaj,a resident of Kalawad Road.

The Rajkot Municipal Corporation has been imposing cuts in parts of the city following inadequate supply of drinking water.