Rahul’s successful meeting in Varachha boosts Congress workers’ morale

Nov 5, 2017, 11:27 IST

SURAT: The massive gathering at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s first public meeting in Patidar-dominated Varachha in the city on Friday has shaken the ruling BJP and boosted the confidence of Congress workers ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat.

This is first time that Congress has been able to gather such a huge crowd in Varachha, a traditional stronghold of BJP since 1995, despite the fact that the diamond industry is still shut for Diwali vacation. Congress sources said some firebrand Patidar leaders from the party will be roped in for a series of public meetings in the Diamond City soon.

Meanwhile, rivals were quick to circulate a doctored video of Rahul Gandhi’s public meeting in Varachha on social media with sound bites of ‘Bhajap, Bhajap, Bhajap’. However, those present at the venue said they had not heard any pro-BJP shouts there.

The frustration is evident in the BJP camp following the huge success of Rahul Gandhi’s public meeting. The major reason behind its success is the ongoing agitation by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) for reservation and negative impact of demonetization and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on diamond and textile businesses.

Opposition to BJP events in Patidar-dominated areas started when a felicitation event of Patidar leaders in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah was being held in Mota Varachha on September 8, 2016. Amit Shah wrapped up his speech quickly and left as PAAS workers had started to hurl chairs and staged a protest at the venue. That was the last time any BJP leader addressed a public gathering here. Patidars have protested during Gaurav Yatra and inauguration of utility projects of BJP-ruled Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).

BJP leaders say it will be tough for them to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public meeting in Patidar-dominated areas in the city as PAAS workers could go to any extent to spoil the event.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/rahuls-successful-meeting-in-varachha-boosts-congress-workers-morale/articleshow/61513159.cms