Mavji Patel triggers triangular contest in Vav by-election

Banaskantha : With the Vav Assembly by-election scheduled for November 13, the political landscape is heating up, especially with the independent candidacy of Mavji Patel, a prominent BJP leader who chose to contest after being denied a party ticket. Patel’s decision has added a twist to the race, making it a fierce, three-way contest among the BJP, Congress, and Patel as an independent, capturing public interest and shifting the dynamics of the election.

Currently, there are eight candidates vying for the Vav seat, but Patel’s high-profile campaign has garnered significant attention. Known for his influence within the Chaudhary community, Patel held a massive rally in Akoli village that attracted supporters from 32 surrounding villages, showcasing his grassroots support. His strong turnout has left both Congress and BJP strategists on edge, as his campaign slogan emphasizes a battle of “truth versus falsehood,” positioning himself as a voice against established political structures.

Representing Congress is Gulabsinh Rajput, while Swaroopji Thakor stands for the BJP. Thakor’s nomination over Patel stirred unrest within local BJP ranks, especially among Patel’s supporters, who expected him to receive the ticket. Patel explained his decision to run independently was not out of disloyalty, but as a response to the party’s choice not to select him. “I am here because the ticket was denied, not because I’m against the BJP,” Patel clarified to his supporters.

Caste demographics play a crucial role in the Vav constituency, which has over 3.1 lakh voters. The Thakor community is the largest, with 44,000 voters, followed closely by Rajputs and Chaudharys. These numbers suggest a diverse voter base, with strong support likely to come from caste affiliations.

Caste Breakdown in Vav Constituency:

Thakor: 44,000

Rajput: 41,000

Chaudhary: 40,000

Dalit: 30,000

Rabari: 19,000

Brahmin: 15,000

Muslim: 14,500

Mavji Patel himself has a political legacy that resonates with the local populace. A former leader of the Tharad-Vav Legislative Assembly, he earned a reputation for advocating on behalf of farmers and was instrumental in securing tax relief for tractor-trolleys, categorizing them on par with ox-carts. A close ally of former Chief Minister Chiman Patel, he is well-regarded for his commitment to the agricultural community and for his history of running independently when the party’s support wavers.

The Vav constituency’s polling arrangements include 321 polling stations, with over 1,400 officials, and medical staff deployed to ensure a smooth voting process. The area has 3.1 lakh registered voters, with 1.61 lakh male and 1.49 lakh female voters. Counting will take place on November 23, revealing whether Patel’s independent stance will disrupt the traditional BJP stronghold or whether Congress will gain an edge in this tightly contested by-election.