Mallika, Om Puri reveal 'ardh satya' of Juhapura ‘border’

Saturday evening brought unexpected music and colour to the sultry streets of Vejalpur and Juhapura when Gandhinagar’s independent candidate Mallika Sarabhai and veteran actor Om Puri came out to campaign with a boisterous cavalcade of supporters.

In an attempt to breach what they call the ‘psychological Wagah border’ between the Muslim-dominated Juhapura area and Hindu-dominated Vejalpur locality, the convoy started its journey in Vejalpur. It soon ‘crossed’ the border carrying placards with the message ‘Aao Lakeerein Mitaayein’ (let us eliminate borders).

Sarabhai and Puri interacted with residents of both the localities on their way, urging them to transcend the politically created borders.  Sarabhai’s supporters were a jovial lot playing jingles and drums and breaking out into a jig every once in a while leaving the residents rather amused.

While their efforts attracted the residents’ attention, it shot up the anxiety levels of local police, who were seen following the convoy closely and increased the overall patrolling in the area.  Puri and Sarabhai addressed a public meeting in Ranip later, which was reportedly attended by hundreds.