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ShareAHMEDABAD: "Modi has distorted Hindutva. For him, Hindutva is violence. Divide and rule -- Kadva Patels with Leuvas, Kshatriyas with OBCs and SCs and tribals amongst themselves. If someone goes by Modi's portrayal of Gujarat, the world would think Gujaratis are inhuman murderers, like Babu Bajrangi. But Gujaratis are extremely peace loving, entrepreneurial people. Hindutva is not necessarily non-secular. Congress in Gujarat will show the world secular Hindutva."
Son of former chief minister Madhavsinh Solanki and Anand MP Bharatsinh Solanki does not represent the quintessential Congress politician. He is the face of a new Congress, with a mission and a clear vision.
"We will sweep the assembly elections," he asserts confidently in a deep baritone at his plush office on Ashram Road. "The underdogs have an advantage. BJP suffered and paid heavily for their overconfidence in 2004. Gujarat will see a repeat," he told DNA.
It is not without reason that Solanki is confident. He has a master plan to counter Modi's juggernaut -- woo Modi's 'loyal' electorate, working on the anti-incumbency and dissent in BJP.
The party has its eye on the urban classes. With the right caste combinations, Congress, according to him, will be invincible. "The urban electorate is our target now. Congress is already present in the rural areas, the task is now in the middle class -- BJP's stronghold.
Academicians, IAS and IPS officers are on our side. The Patels are with us. We haven't lost favour with tribals and minorities, and Modi has not been able to make inroads there. Election results will come as a surprise to everyone -- including Modi, just wait and watch," he says with a smile.
