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Journalism of Courage
Two months ago, the formation of Shakti Dal cost Shankersinh Vaghela his Gujarat PCC president8217;s post. Now with elections less than a month away, the Congress is relying on the same outfit, which earned itself the sobriquet of Danda Sena, for all poll-related work. Be it managing poll booths or distributing campaign material, it is the Dal8217;s men in blue who are doing their bit to drive away the election blues of a faction-ridden Congress.
Earlier this year, Vaghela floated the Dal with the aim of taking on the Bajrang Dal and the VHP. But when the Sena met under the banner of Shakti Dal in Ahmedabad on January 30, the Congress was more worried than any Sangh Parivar outfit. The worry stemmed from the fear that the force would be loyal only to Vaghela, a former RSS man.
Now, Amarsinh is singing a different tune. 8216;8216;We did oppose the Dal because it was against the party8217;s constitution but accepted it after it became an NGO. Koi agar paanch vote bhi la sakta hai to chalega anyone who can bring even five votes is welcome,8217;8217; he says.
GPCC chief B.K. Gadhvi says the volunteers will help manage booths and distribute poll material in rural areas. 8216;8216;Whenever they are available, they will be used for election duty,8217;8217; he adds.
Vaghela8217;s stock has clearly gone up. 8216;8216;Ek ek candidate maang raha hai, hamara role positive hoga every candidate wants the services of the Dal, we will play a positive role,8217;8217; says Vaghela.
The force is 81,000 strong but restricted mainly to urban areas of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mehsana and Sabarkantha. 8216;8216;Those who were against it have surrendered. At least, no one is opposing it officially,8217;8217; Vaghela says, adding, 8216;8216;Shakti Dal will be pro-Congress.8217;8217; Mandvi MLA Chhabilbhai Patel, who is Dal8217;s state convenor, is more forthright. 8216;8216;We will help only those who stood by us. Many partymen had used the Dal to settle scores with him Vaghela,8217;8217; he says.
