Boss146;s day out

While Dhansukh Patel was asked by the party high command not to contest, Karshan Patel has filed his nomination as an Independent. Karshan Patel has won the Gandevi seat thrice on the BJP ticket and was the Minister for OBC and Prohibition in the BJP government. In 2002, he had won with a margin of 17,000 votes.

8220;I remained loyal and the party has seen my record. I won the last election with a record margin,8221; said Karshan Patel. 8220;Laxman worked as a clerk in a private firm in Gandevi and I took him with me as he belongs to our Koli community. Later, I introduced him to party insiders in Gandhinagar and he worked faithfully with me. He then came in contact with a rebel group and over a minor conflict our relationship broke down about one-and-a-half years ago. He used my personal contacts and with the help of the rebel group, he started working for the party and his name was selected. But I have decided to fight.8217;8217;

For Laxman Patel, it was a pleasant surprise. 8220;It is like a dream come true for me. I have worked for people while I was with Karshan Patel. Even though I have not fought any election, leaders like Ashok Patel, the BJP president for Gandevi taluka, have faith in me. I will definitely win.8221;

For Dhansukh Patel, it was a huge shock. 8220;I have won from Olpad twice. In 2002, I had defeated a strong contender like Bhagu Patel. Kirit has been with me for 15 years. Earlier, I had picked him from the Congress and he was my personal assistant. We never had any conflict. While I am happy with his selection, I wonder why I was not selected. My supporters asked me to file the nomination as an Independent, but the party higher-ups pacified me. I will work for the party during the Assembly polls.8221;

Kirit, expectedly, is happy and hopes to win. 8220;I always thought that my mentor Dhansukh would get the ticket, but I am overjoyed. I have full faith in the party and will work hard to prove a winner.8221;