Dejected, with no interest

So, while five-time MP Pathak has taken to the streets of Naroda, Gupta is sweating it out in Sheherkotda with handcart pullers. Meanwhile, JD(U) candidate Ambalal Chauhan has been hiring dancers to attract crowds. ‘‘The indifference of the public is worrying. For the first time, we are unable to judge which way the votes are swinging,’’ says Gupta.

Pathak, though shaken by the poor response PM A.B. Vajpayee and DPM L.K. Advani got when campaigning for him in Ahmedabad on Friday, tries to sound confident that he’ll maintain his lead. ‘‘I have done my homework, I know what to expect. I am intensifying my campaign as I want to increase my margin this time,’’ he says.

The Ahmedabad constituency has been BJP’s stronghold for the last five elections. But this time, the voter just doesn’t seem interested. ‘‘I don’t see any reason to feel enthusiastic about the elections. After all, what am I going to gain?’’ asks Harikishan Patel, a resident of Naroda who owns an agro-tools shop.

In Maninagar, the mood among workers of both BJP and Congress is dull. In Kalupur, Salim Sheikh says: “I know Muslim votes may not make much difference. But we may have to vote for the lesser evil. The riots are still fresh in the minds of people. Neither the Congress nor BJP can wipe that away,’’ he says.