What
do Ellisbridge and Maninagar in the east have in common with Naranpura
and Vejalpur in western Amdavad? Well, it’s the vote-bank, for Brahmins
are the dominating factor in these four constituencies. They constitute
15% to 20% of the vote-bank here.
However, if poll pundits are to
be believed, it is very unlikely that they will lean towards any one
political party. But if they do so, their affiliation with any one party
can change equation in these constituencies.
While, Ellisbridge has nearly 50,000 brahmin voters, the newly-formed Naranpura constituency has more than 35,000.
Maninagar, Ghatlodia and Vejalpur have more than 20,000 voters of various sects of the brahmin community. Moreover, in another half a dozen seats, the upper caste commands 15,000 to 20,000 votes — a fact that has not gone amiss in brahmin leaders’ eyes.
They are now demanding their share of the caste-pie from both the political parties and are expecting at least a couple of seats for ‘their’ candidates from the city. “The BJP is likely to give at least two tickets to brahmin candidates in Ahmedabad,” said a brahmin leader of the party, on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the brahmin leaders in Congress have already gone a step ahead and prepared a strategy for the upcoming assembly elections.
Chairman of the social organisation integration cell of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Jagdish Dave said that they have worked out a list of probable brahmin candidates who can win seats for the party.
“The community could have the highest share in some constituency but support of ther communities is also needed for victory. So, we will press for a brahmin community candidate who is acceptable to other communities as well,” said Dave. He also said that they will organise 20-odd community meetings in various parts of the state to foster unity in the community.
“Brahmins alone cannot win a seat but the community can be instrumental in defeating someone,” he said.
Fearing they might sound politically incorrect, BJP’s band of upper caste leaders is, however, maintaining a stiff upper lip on the issue.
“The BJP does not believe in caste-based politics and works for the development of all communities,” said Dilip Pandya, BJP member of Rajya Sabha.
Their political inclinations may change equations this election, opine pundits
Can brahmins sway it in four Amdavadi constituencies?
Courtesy: www.dnaindia.com
While, Ellisbridge has nearly 50,000 brahmin voters, the newly-formed Naranpura constituency has more than 35,000.
Maninagar, Ghatlodia and Vejalpur have more than 20,000 voters of various sects of the brahmin community. Moreover, in another half a dozen seats, the upper caste commands 15,000 to 20,000 votes — a fact that has not gone amiss in brahmin leaders’ eyes.
They are now demanding their share of the caste-pie from both the political parties and are expecting at least a couple of seats for ‘their’ candidates from the city. “The BJP is likely to give at least two tickets to brahmin candidates in Ahmedabad,” said a brahmin leader of the party, on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the brahmin leaders in Congress have already gone a step ahead and prepared a strategy for the upcoming assembly elections.
Chairman of the social organisation integration cell of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Jagdish Dave said that they have worked out a list of probable brahmin candidates who can win seats for the party.
“The community could have the highest share in some constituency but support of ther communities is also needed for victory. So, we will press for a brahmin community candidate who is acceptable to other communities as well,” said Dave. He also said that they will organise 20-odd community meetings in various parts of the state to foster unity in the community.
“Brahmins alone cannot win a seat but the community can be instrumental in defeating someone,” he said.
Fearing they might sound politically incorrect, BJP’s band of upper caste leaders is, however, maintaining a stiff upper lip on the issue.
“The BJP does not believe in caste-based politics and works for the development of all communities,” said Dilip Pandya, BJP member of Rajya Sabha.
Their political inclinations may change equations this election, opine pundits
Can brahmins sway it in four Amdavadi constituencies?
Courtesy: www.dnaindia.com
