By Rajeev Khanna
Ahmedabad(IANS) : The Kutch region of the state has just six legislators in the Gujarat assembly, but there are 20 independent candidates in the fray for these seats.
Most of the independents are taking the poll campaign very seriously and have started approaching the electorate in a well-organised manner. Political parties are worried, as these independents can become jokers in the pack and send all calculations haywire.
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The power of Dhrol
Dhrol town in Saurashtra has earned a notorious reputation. Nobody wants to campaign at this ancient port in Jamnagar district, as that is supposed to be unlucky. Locals point out that former prime minister Indira Gandhi imposed emergency just after addressing a rally in Dhrol in 1975. Madhavsinh Solanki addressed a rally in 1985 when he was chief minister, and promptly he had to make way for Amarsinh Chaudhary.
Talking of superstition, it is now known that most candidates – including Chief Minister Narendra Modi – asked astrologers to fix the moment they would file their nominations for elections to the Gujarat assembly. On top of that, most political parties have designed their campaign offices in accordance with Vaastu principles. Everyone will know on Dec 23 if the principles are sound.
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Good time to own a hotel
Hoteliers in Gujarat are having a field day. With the marriage season in full swing, the hotels are booked to the full capacity. Assembly elections have come as a big bonus. Since most political parties have a large number of campaigners visiting the state from outside, the demand for accommodation has just about doubled.
And of course, a large section of the national and international media has started visiting the state to cover the elections. Thanks to all this, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a hotel room anywhere in Gujarat these days.