As the polling for the first phase of the Gujarat elections nears, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has upped its game. The BJP has planned to bombard the Saurashtra region which is predominantly a ‘Patidar’ dominated area with its team of ‘star campaigners’ to salvage its image in the community.

The BJP is facing a challenge from the community of ‘Patidars’ who have traditionally voted for the BJP. But this time around, the backlash of Patidar reservation issue and the atrocities brought upon the agitating community members by the police have become a big headache for the BJP. Rebel Patidar leader Hardik Patel has also campaigned extensively against the BJP and has openly been asking his followers to vote against the BJP to take revenge of all the troubles the community members have faced.

BJP is aware of the difficult situation it is in and Prime Minister Modi has extensively campaigned for the party to save as many seats as possible. The party now is roping in more leaders to build support for its candidates and has lined up an impressive list of ‘star campaigners’ including; Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Cabinet Minister of Textiles and Information & Broadcasting Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharti, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala and State Minister Purshottam Solanki. All of them are campaigning across Saurashtra in the final leg of the first phase of the Gujarat elections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held rallies at Gariyadhar, Talala, Savarkundla and Amreli, while Union Minister Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani addressed meetings at Porbandar and Kutiyana on Wednesday. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Union Minister Uma Bharati were to address election rallies at Moviya and Mandovi Chowk in Gondal Taluka.

Apart from these, former President of Gujarat Pradesh BJP and current Union Minister Parshottam Rupala addressed meetings at Jamjodhpur, Dhrol and Maliya. Later in the day, he addressed rallies in Manavadar, Bageshara, and Jetpur. While State Minister and Saurashtra’s Koli leader Purshottam Solanki addressed a public meeting in Koli society at Vadi, Kodinar.