Chudasama has caste on her side. Of the 1,65,000 voters in the city, about 47,000 represent Koli Patels, her family's caste, and 36,000 are Muslims. Even though the caste combination favours her, the Congress candidate, while addressing a meeting, says: "If I do not get elected this time, I will drink poison."

Another aspect that is striking is the non-vibrant look of BJP offices. Modi being the dulha (groom), the campaign is built only around him and not the issues. BJP's lower rank workers are in awe of Modi -- it is the first election when efforts are being made to let a leader win; the party is secondary.

They complain that if Modi does not come to their areas, Congress's caste-card will triumph. In many centres in Saurashtra, Congressmen remember how Kamal Nath ruined their party’s chances in 2002 by allocating tickets to unfit candidates. This time around, very few constituencies have protested against the quality of Congress candidates.

However, both parties have a common complaint -- they feel Election Commission's guidelines are quite strict this time. The election body has prepared a separate list of absent voters -- Permanently Absent Voter's List -- which will minimise bogus voting.

No one doubts Modi's charisma or his oratory skills. But, till the results of the elections are declared, Modi and BJP will be under pressure. The reason -- a silent middle class and a lackluster campaign.

Image: Congress candidate from Mangrol, Chandrikaben, addresses a gathering.

Also read: Modi's gambit and the battles within

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