Just days before the commencement of civil elections, a political war has begun in Khadia, a ward that is a repository of Gujarat's rich culture and heritage.
Just days before the commencement of civil elections, a political war has begun in Khadia, a ward that is a repository of Gujarat's rich culture and heritage.
The high drama has put Khadia residents in a dilemma and as a result they are moving out of the area. The conservation of the old city has been the bone of contention between the Congress and BJP. Also, areas adjacent to Khadia like Raipur and Sarangpur, are affected.
On the one hand BJP claims that they are the pioneers in conservation of heritage, whereas on the other hand Congress alleges that BJP is commercializing the area.
The outcome is that residents have started to migrate because of congestion and other civic problems rampant in the area.
BJP candidates Bhushan Bhatt, Mayur Dave and Nikki Modi have ruled over Khadia for the past two decades along with the late Ashok Bhatt who was the face of Khadia.
Congress candidates Devarshi Shah, Vishwesh Bhatt and Lata Chunara took out a procession and shouted campaign slogans like 'khali thatu atkavo' which means stop migration from Khadia.
Congress claims that BJP no more trusts Khadia's 'junta'. So they have asked BJP national president Nitin Gadkari to conduct a public meeting at Raipur Chakla.
Devarshi Shah, who is supported by the youth of the area, said, "Congress is receiving huge response from people across the state. The need to call BJP's president emphasises the fact that their pillars are shaken". He added, "This is our fight for existence and not for political
transformation. Rapid rate of commercialisation in the area is giving sleepless nights to many people".
Both parties have put their best foot forward in campaigning to get maximum votes from Khadia's residents. BJP candidate and senior cooperator Mayur Dave said, "We have no doubt in our victory as our focus has always been public welfare. We have already planned development work for the next five years".
Bhushan Bhatt, son of the late Ashok Bhatt and a prominent politician of the area said, "Public is returning to our area as we have done a lot of welfare work for them. We have started work to preserve the heritage".
Other Congress candidates Vishwesh Bhatt and Latta Chunara said, "We have faith in local public. We get good support from the voters who want to have development in their area".
A resident of Raipur said, "We are concerned about the heritage of our area and it should be preserved". Many tourists frequently visit this place to learn about its rich history and culture.
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