Gujarat polls: Solanki, daughter say they are careful, but confident

It’s a clash of titans. BJP's Bhavnagar rural candidate, 'Bhai' Parshottam Solanki is taking on the leader of opposition in assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil. Assisting Solanki, is his daughter Deepmala, who has been virtually campaigning on his behalf due to his ill health. Dipuben, as she is fondly called, is practically face of her father from the seat this time. Jumana Shah speaks to them

Are you sure of your win?
Dipuben: We are trying.
Solanki: Can't tell what will happen at the last minute. We have to be careful.

Why aren't you confident unlike most BJP candidates?
Dipuben: Because we have the challenge of ensuring that our voters reach the polling booths. They (Kshatriyas) do not allow our people (kolis) to come out and vote. They threaten them with all kinds of consequences. So we have to plan carefully to ensure they successfully reach the polling booths.

You are a leader in your  own right.
Solanki: Yes, I don't need any support from them. They don't call me much, and I don't care much about it either. My good work of the last few years will hold me up.

Dipuben: There are 75,000 Koli voters in this seat and we will win comfortably. He is not keeping very well and has been unable to campaign much this time. Earlier, he was asked by the doctor not to sit for more than three hours at one go, but he has been able to pull through for a full day.

You have a long criminal record. Don't you think it will go against you?
Solanki: There is not a single case against me. None of the allegations against me have been proven. All the cases against me have been withdrawn. Whatever I have done I have done for the community.

You have a serious case of fisheries scam pending against you. How will that affect your chances?
Solanki: There is nothing in that case. It is in the Supreme Court. Nothing has been proven. Show me if it can be proven that I have taken a single penny. Modi has himself said on stage that everything was done within government norms, so where is the problem.

Is it true that Solanki was forced by Modi to contest from this seat?
Dipuben: This is not true. Earlier, we were skeptical because of his ill-health, but eventually it worked out fine