Paresh Dhanani asked with a smile when he informed that he was coming from Kerala – ‘Hello brothers and sisters, I want to vote. Thanks. Isn’t this how you get votes in your country?’ I was shocked when I heard Malayalam coming from the tongue of the Congress candidate in Amreli, a rural area of Gujarat. Dhanani, who is also a former opposition leader, has not forgotten the Malayalam phrases he learned from the leaders of Kerala when he was working in the Youth Congress. Among the leaders of Kerala, PC Vishnu Nath and JB Mather are close friends.
In 2017, Amreli was one of the epicenters of the Patel agitation. The BJP is determined to bring Dhanani, the fiery leader of the assembly, to his knees. Even though Aam Aadmi Party has no significant roots, it can make a dent in the votes of BJP and Congress. BJP reckons that Aam Aadmi will hurt Congress more. All the 3 parties have fielded candidates from the Patel community. 55% of voters in the constituency are Patels.
Dhanani, who won the 2002, 12 and 17 elections from here, is more of a personal image than a Congress leader. Congress hopes that Dhanani’s personal influence will get votes even though the Patel community is not aware of the opposition to the BJP last time in the Saurashtra region, which includes Amreli.
The Congress is seeking votes by citing the achievements of Dhanani, who ran across the village to deliver oxygen cylinders and medicines to those suffering during the Covid-19 pandemic. If Dhanani is ousted, the BJP will be able to claim that the Patel community is completely with them in the Saurashtra region. It will also be a sign that BJP has regained the glory it lost last time in Saurashtra.
English Summary: Malayalam Speaking Congress candidate Paresh Dhanani