As the polling of the first phase is taking place on Thursday, speculation mills of all kinds -- from satta (batting) to psephology -- are working overtime. An interesting prediction regarding Gujarat polls is: whichever party wins the battle, saffron will be the ultimate winner.
How come? The logic is simple and unnerving. Shankarsingh Vaghela of the Gujarat Congress has already declared himself 'captain' of the state unit, in case the Congress wins majority. Vaghela is an RSS veteran, in fact, the only one who can give Modi a run for his money, as they share the same roots and tactics.
Lack of prominence in the party prompted him to rebel and form a new party (Rashtriya Janta Party) which he ultimately merged with the Congress lock, stock and barrel. There are no doubts whatsoever for the ultimate colour of GPP and Keshubhai Patel as his party has apparently provided the option to the Bharatiya Janata Party faithful unhappy with Modi.
The conclusion: Voters of Gujarat have the leader of any colour-- as long as it's saffron, or so it seems.
Also Read:
Gujarat Blog: Why vote for Modi if he's Delhi-bound?
Gujarat Blog: A circle full of ironies
Dalit Killings? Not an issue in Gujarat poll
Gujarat blog: V for Victimhood
PMO rejects Modi's claim on Sir Creek
CCI-ITF juniors: Unseeded Vaghela shocks Deshmukh
Sonia, Rahul to lead Cong in 2014 polls: Party
GPP should withdraw from Maninagar: Shweta Bhatt
Oppn parties seek JPC probe into Walmart issue