The colourful contest in Jamnagar city may well put the picturesque Lakhota Palace in the shade. With two strong Independents promising to give the BJP and the CPI candidates a good fight, the stage is all set. For the moment, however, all eyes are on former Urban Development minister Parmanand Khattar who’s contesting as an Independent.A shipping baron, Khattar’s reputation as a rebel dates back to 1996 when he joined Shankersinh Vaghela’s ‘Khajuria’ gang which toppled Keshubhai Patel. The others got sidelined but Khattar retained his position by making the right moves. This time, however, he was dropped in favour of the pro-Sangh Vasuben Trivedi. Khattar gave the party some time to do a rethink before resigning.Khattar, whose election symbol is a car, says: ‘‘Nobody can apply brakes on my political career.’’ A Sindhi businessman, he’s probably one of the few crorepati candidates contesting as an Independent. But the reason that he’s popular is his down-to-earth attitude.However, many feel the political ballgame will be a bit different as he’s no longer backed by a party. Jamnagar has a mixed electorate with no caste dominating. There are Brahmins, Lohanas, Jains and Muslims. It is also part of Jamnagar Lok Sabha constituency from where BJP’s Chandresh Patel has won the last four terms.Despite acute water shortage in the city for the last eight years, no one’s making it an issue. ‘‘We get water once in three days. But it’s been this way for many years,’’ Vijay Virani, a resident, says.Congress rebel and Independent candidate Kilubhai Vasant is taking Khattar seriously. ‘‘He is popular among the business community and in the interior parts of the city. Breaking into his voters’ base will be difficult,” he says.‘‘He has helped develop Jamnagar with underground drainages, grants for roads and other public works. He takes up complaints and is available when needed. His efforts have also helped ease congestion and streamline traffic,’’ says Arvind Vyas, a trader.Pinakin Trivedi, advocate, feels voters are confused. ‘‘Khattar’s done good work but what if people want to vote for the BJP? Similarly there’s Kilubhai as an Independent. Bhikubhai Vaghela, the CPI candidate, is known as a social worker. People are confused whether to vote for the party or candidate,’’ Trivedi says.The Congress is supporting the CPI candidate, who’s a senior labour union leader. But Vaghela may not be able to match the other candidates’ money and manpower. What may swing the balance is that Khattar’s liked by the 30,000-odd Muslims. ‘‘I have been amid people and they know what to do,’’ Khattar says.
