The Real Battle Begins in Vav: The Congress Retains Vav Seat Despite Gujarat’s Saffron Wave
BJP’s Prestige at Stake in Vav
The Vav Assembly seat has become a battleground of supremacy between the BJP and the Congress. As the election date draws nearer, the political atmosphere is heating up. The BJP is holding rallies to showcase its strength, while the Congress matches them in power displays, creating a competitive scene. A grand BJP rally recently took place in Bhabhar, attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, cabinet ministers, and senior party officials.
Independents Lean Towards BJP and Congress
With election preparations intensifying in Vav, independents have begun aligning with major parties. Manjuben Rathod has endorsed BJP candidate Swarupji Thakor, while Laxmiben Thakor supports Congress’s Gulabsinh. The election is set for November 13, with results expected on November 23, which will reveal the impact of independent endorsements on the final outcome.
Geni Ben’s Parliamentary Win Leaves Vav Seat Vacant
Congress’s Geni Ben clinched victory in the Banaskantha constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, thwarting BJP’s ambition of winning all 26 Gujarat seats for a third consecutive time. Following her win, her Vav Assembly seat became vacant, prompting the Election Commission of India to announce a by-election for Vav alongside the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections.
Vav Constituency: 310,681 Voters Strong
Vav’s constituency includes 310,681 voters, with 161,293 male and 149,387 female voters. Among them, 12,823 are new voters aged 18–19, and 82,397 are aged 20–29. To manage the polling, 321 stations have been set up, with a dedicated election staff of around 2,000.
Power Equations at Play
While the Congress secured the Lok Sabha seat, BJP did gain ground, winning more votes in Geni Ben’s constituency. The Congress will need to adjust its strategy to address this shift in its traditional vote bank. The influential Thakor, Dalit, Maldhari, and Chaudhary communities could be the deciding factor in Vav, a region linked to nearby areas like Tharad, Palanpur, and Deesa, encompassing farmers, cattle rearers, and small business owners.
Congress Dominance in Vav Seat
Since Gujarat’s formation, Congress had maintained dominance in Vav until 1990. Although an independent candidate won in 1995 and the BJP won in 2007 and 2012, Congress has traditionally held this seat. Despite Gujarat’s overwhelming saffron wave, Vav remains a Congress stronghold. Social and community factors continue to play a critical role in shaping the seat’s political dynamics.
Will BJP Rebel Mavji Patel Disrupt the Congress or BJP Equation?
This election sees a triangular contest with BJP rebel Mavji Patel entering the race. His candidacy not only impacts BJP but could also disrupt Congress’s calculations. In 2007, as an independent, Mavji Patel challenged Congress, while in 2012, another independent candidate, Thakkar, complicated BJP’s strategy.
One Seat, Three Contenders
Swarupji Thakor, BJP’s candidate, claims there’s no internal dissent in BJP ranks, while Congress’s Gulabsinh Rajput stated, “People from all communities in our area support Congress.” Although this election won’t significantly alter the state’s legislative makeup, it’s certainly a matter of pride for BJP, Congress, and Mavji Patel.
