E-Paper
Porbandar feels neglected
In the context of Gujarat politics, for over a decade, Porbandar has been associated with 'Godmother' Santokhben Jadeja.
Once, the very mention of this city, kindled memories of the apostle of peace and non-violence Mahatma Gandhi.
But in the context of Gujarat politics, for over a decade, Porbandar has been associated with 'Godmother' Santokhben Jadeja, whose sons have been taken into preventive custody on the eve of the elections.
Though many here talk of the terror spread by Santokhben in her heyday and the erosion of Gandhian values in the Mahatma's birthplace, there are other issues that dominate their lives.
Being a fishing port on the West coast, many of its inhabitants end up in a Karachi jail every now and then after their fishing boats stray into Pakistan waters.
Fisherfolk here are grateful to Prime Minister Vajpayee because many of the 260-odd fishermen freed from Pakistan jails after the Agra summit were from here.
But this gratefulness towards Vajpayee has not diminished the resentment towards the BJP-led government in the state.
"They (BJP) came to power with the promise of eradicating bhaye (fear), bhookh (hunger), bhrashtaachaar (corruption), but all that has only increased in 10 years of their rule," said farm hand Kiritbhai Bhuntia.
People living and having shops in the vicinity of Kirti Mandir, the memorial built at the place of Gandhi's birth, lament that politicians visit them only to launch "yatras," projects or rallies and forget them soon after.
Many claim BJP candidate Haribhai Patel, who earlier represented the constituency, was never seen. On the other hand, Congress candidate Vithalbhai Radadiya, is looked upon as a militant farmer who agitated on behalf of fellow farmers for crop insurance dues, and against the power tariff hike in the agricultural sector. In the absence of any wave in the region, these factors may turn out to be crucial for both parties even as the BSP nominee may cut into some votes.
