Gujarat bypolls: Internal survey hints at BJP losing 4 seats

The BJP government in Gujarat is set to experience a loss of 4 seats in the upcoming by-elections, if the internal survey is to be believed. The elections for 8 seats will be held on 3 November. The BJP’s newly appointed state chief, C.R. Patil, however, is confident of winning all the eight seats in the by-elections. 

The political dominance of the Congress is strong in some of these 8 seats. The political climate does not seem to be working in the BJP’s favour and the political picture is expected to change this time around. The BJP›s very own internal survey has found that the party may face defeat in Morbi, Dhari, Limbadi and Karjan. Internal factionalism has reached a climax at the Morbi seat. 

It is difficult for the BJP to win even on the expected seat and the party has been embroiled in a tug of war in Amreli district. If Soma Patel does not get a ticket in Limbadi, Koli voters can teach the BJP a political lesson. In Karjan, there is a lot of resentment against Akshay Patel so it would not be a surprise if the BJP loses this seat as well. 

The survey found that the BJP›s internal divisions in Saurashtra are at an all-time high. In addition, farmers are believed to be upset over the farm laws. Even the industrialists are not happy with the government›s policy. The general public is also not happy with the government not working in rural areas for the last several times. Thus, anti-incumbency could be heavy on the BJP. The BJP has started an exercise regarding the by-elections to be held on eight seats of the Gujarat Assembly. The findings of a survey conducted by a private body to find out the political situation in its constituency, has exposed fault lines within the party. Apart from this, the survey also revealed that giving tickets to defectors will be difficult for the BJP. 

The BJP is struggling to win the byelections as it will prove to be an acid test for C.R. Patil as well. 

A survey conducted by the BJP with a private body on the by-elections has found that the ticket of defectors in the Dhari, Abadasa, Karjan, Morbi and Kaprada constituencies is almost certain, which has angered the BJP leaders and workers. From now on, other local leaders, including former BJP MLAs, have gone underground on these seats.