Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was all smiles in his holy-looking saffron outfit while there were several hundreds singing praises for him just before the final phase of the polling. Modi expected that the turnover of voters for the exit polls could be higher than that of the first phase elections just few days ago (70.75%). Though it wasn't as higher, victory for Modi was sealed.
Generally, when there are more people voting for an election, it can be almost always understood that the people are looking for a change but today was not one of those days. Narendra Modi's success only became more and more evident with the number of voters pouring in. BJP is certain that Modi will have a hat-trick for this third consecutive term after his victories in 2002 and 2007. BJP said that there were more numbers of women and young voters, which seals the fact that the votes are pro-Modi.
Speaking at Ahmedabad after the voting, Modi said, "I am thankful to all the voters. In these elections, people of Gujarat will make hat-trick by making the BJP win again. I am committed to 6 crore people of Gujarat and I live for them. What I am doing is for Gujarat and this is also service to the nation. Gujarat is also part of India." His voice was overshadowed by the cheers of several hundreds around him. While making a V with his index and middle finger, he rode along the place on his car.
First timer, Shweta Bhatt, who was in the news lately for contesting against Modi on Congress's side, cast her vote early. She also happens to be the wife of Sanjiv Bhatt, the cop who took on Mr Modi. Modi however was not troubled with the new contestant on the field.
Modi's campaigns seemed to be concentrated in Central Gujarat regions like Saurashtra, where Keshubhai Patel's rebellion is expected to do the BJP some damage. He has to win the hearts of the tribals over to gain power in this region. The north Gujarat also has some trouble from Kadwa Patels who were arrested in the riot cases. The conviction could cause their rebellion and Shankarsinh Vaghela is trying to take advantage of this region with his Congress ticket.
Though Sonia and Rahul Gandhi both campaigned in the area rigorously it won't pay them back much after Modi had answers to all their allegations of Vibrant Gujarat being a 'myth'. He addressed Rahul Gandhi, tactfully, saying that his father was not a PM or even a sarpanch but he said that he had the love of people.
(AW- Anil)
