Gujarat Confidential: Challenge & warning

SHAILESH MEHTA, BJP MLA from Dabhoi Assembly Constituency in Vadodara district, has challenged “detractors” of the party to win even a single seat in the coming November 10 APMC polls in his constituency. Speaking at a Diwali Snehmilan organised in Dabhoi, Mehta also warned party leaders indulging in “anti-party activities” that he had received an “entire list of names.” Mehta said, “Our own people are supporting our opponents behind our back. They should know that we have all the names. The (APMC) elections will be held on the 10th… they will wonder what they got out of betraying their party… This is a challenge to them, show us victory on even one seat.” Mehta’s remarks came days before a committee of observers appointed by the party arrived in Vadodara on Tuesday to select office-bearers for the district unit even as factionalism is at the fore. At the same event, Mehta also welcomed former Congress and Bharatiya Tribal Party workers into the BJP.

Son Rise

GODHRA IN central Gujarat seems to be witnessing the rise of the local BJP MLA C K Raulji’s son, Malavdipsinh, in public life. On Monday, Malavdipsinh was elected uncontested in the bypolls of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, Godhra, from the Kharid-Vechan (purchase and sale) department on Monday. Malavdipsinh emerged as the lone candidate after the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers ended on Monday. He is also chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society in Godhra. Malavdipsinh is also known for managing his father’s election campaigns and constituency affairs.