The BJP is gearing up to upset the Congress' vote bank in this Lok Sabha seat by marketing its "development work and feel-good factor present in the state" with less than a fortnight left for the Parliamentary elections in Gujarat.
Congress candidate Vikram Ahir Madam would cross swords mainly with his arch rival and five-time winner from the constituency Chandresh Patel of the BJP in the multi-cornered contest. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has also fielded its candidate with seven independents too contesting the election.
However, the trend, in which voters in Jamnagar have so far preferred the two main rival political parties, is expected to continue as the others do not have much of a presence as yet. The BSP feilded its candidate for the first time in 1996 who secured only 1,310 votes.
Madam, a member of the Ahir community and known for his social activities, says: "No one can win the election on caste basis. This election can be won by candidates who have worked for the people and have shown signs of development."
A long time Congress party loyal, Madam headed the district Youth Congress and succeded in bringing the party to power in Navagam, got a majority in municipality polls and later contested assembly elections in 1998 but was defeated by BJP candidate Mulubhai Bera. He resurrected and won the seat against the same rival in 2002 with a considerable margin.
{{/usCountry}}A long time Congress party loyal, Madam headed the district Youth Congress and succeded in bringing the party to power in Navagam, got a majority in municipality polls and later contested assembly elections in 1998 but was defeated by BJP candidate Mulubhai Bera. He resurrected and won the seat against the same rival in 2002 with a considerable margin.
{{/usCountry}}Madam, however, is facing some `resistence' from a faction of his own party members who are reportedly upset over another candidate not getting the ticket this time.
BJP's Patel, who is contesting for sixth time, is of the view that "our party has become the alternative political party against Congress since 1989 and voters are now convinced that only the BJP is devoted to give results in development oriented work."
Among the list of things that he would do if elected, Patel says "upgradation of Jamnagar city is pending with the Centre despite all efforts."
Voters in this consitutency -- comprising JodiyaJodiya, Jamnagar, Jamnagar Rural (SC), Kalwad, Bhanvad, Khambhalia and Dawarka assembly segments -- have increased since last 13 years from 8,25,389 in 1991 to 11,95,016.
Patel has secured between 50.62 per cent and 54.08 per cent of votes polled from 1989 to 1999 while Congress polled 37.45 per cent and 43.93 per cent votes.
In 1991, JD G fielded Urmila Patel as its candidate against the Patel and secured only 34.46 per cent of the total votes polled.