Twin brother ensures double ‘visibility’ for him

Duplication could be a mistake in a voters’ list,but in real life duplication has come to the aid of Virendra Gaikwad,the BJP-Sena candidate from Pune Cantonment. While every other candidate struggles to be ‘visible’ in the constituency,Gaikwad manages to be ‘present’ at two locations at the same time — thanks to his twin brother Vijendra Gaikwad who has been a loyal campaigner of his politician-brother in all his local elections.

And so it was,even on Thursday when the two brothers went to the new administrative block to file Virendra’s nomination. The duo caused confusion among the election officials so that the partymen finally had to keep Vijendra out of the room. “Being together is our good omen and having a twin brother has always helped. For example,though I lost the 2002 PMC elections the margin with which I lost was reduced drastically due to our ‘combined’ efforts,” said Virendra.

“The good part about being identical twins is that we can campaign in different parts of the constituency and be visible to more people as compared to our opponents. And this time as well,we plan to adopt the strategy. After all,if God has gifted me a twin brother,why should I not respect his decision,” he said.

Virendra (30),a bachelor of arts from Wadia College,has been working for the Sena for the past 10 years.

Sena sources said Virendra’s selection was based on performance. “We have chosen him because he is sincere and hard working. Yes,the double-power certainly helps as they can be seen at two different places at the same time in the constituency,” city Sena chief Nana Wadekar said.