
In Gujarat, it8217;s time again for making futures and breaking promises; for distributing tickets to unlikely candidates and bypassing loyal soldiers.
Take south Gujarat, for instance. BJP old-timers Dhansukh Patel from Olpad in Surat and Karshan Patel from Gandevi in Navsari have been denied the party tickets. They have been replaced by their one-time personal assistants8212;Kirit Patel for Olpad and Laxman Patel for Gandevi. Expectedly, rebellion is beginning to spark.
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;