The Modi group claims that he did not allow rebel legislator from Surat Dhirubhai Gajera and his brother Vasant Gajera necessary permission to earn big bucks out of a land deal. The multi-million rupee land deal in Surat needed certain government permits. Patel brothers took the community's shelter.

Today, Vasant is spending money in supporting anti-Modi campaign. He uses a private aircraft to visit Saurashtra from Surat. He is trying to enthuse BJP rebels and hobnobbing with the Congress. The Sardar Patel Utkarsh Samiti is the frontal organisation of Leuva Patels against Modi and it is anybody's guess how much Patels' resentment will hit Modi's dreams. Both BJP and Congress have given more than 40 seats to Patels.

During his campaigns, Modi does not have much to say to Patels. So whenever he addresses an election rally in Patel-dominated area or the rebel candidate's area, he tries to negate the caste card by raising the communal issue.

If Patel voters from Saurashtra and Surat vote against BJP en-mass, the saffron party's downslide is certain. And because Congress' hopes of a revival in the state rest upon BJP’s downfall in Saurashtra, it will be a long-term advantage to the former.

Patels have been showing their strength against Modi's rule in last six months. Just two days ago, Keshubhai met Dhirubhai Gajeraa, who is contesting on a Congress ticket. Keshubhai is still in BJP, as Modi is helpless. Patels have been voting for BJP since 1995. A division in Patel votes will affect more than 22 seats of the BJP.

Image: The Congress is trying to make the most out of Patels' resentment against Narendra Modi.

Also read: 'Opposition to Modi has helped him'

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