One of the two tribal constituencies of south Gujarat bordering Maharashtra, Bardoli is a Congress bastion, which was breached only once by the BJP in 1999. Renamed from Mandvi to Bardoli post delimitation, this predominant tribal area is a lush green region, historically known for Sardar Patels’ Satyagraha and now for a good number of Gandhian institutions. It is also the home to Gujarat’s lone tribal Chief Minister Amarsinh Chaudhary, whose son Dr Tushar Chaudhary is now the sitting MP.
A vital link to neighbouring Maharashtra, the region has the famous Vedchhi ashram, run by Gandhians, who also run educational institutes. Sugarcane farming has led to the presence of sugar co-operatives, which play a major role in local politics.
The traditional consumption of alcohol remains one of the banes in the region, though some tribal villages have passed resolutions banning liquor consumption. Although Bardoli is relatively water sufficient, displacement due to dam projects affecting tribals still rankles. Many prefer to migrate to bigger cities like Surat for better employment opportunities.
Compared to the northern and central tribal regions of the state, the tribals in southern Gujarat are much better organised politically as well as socially. The concentration of Gandhian as well as Christian missionary organisations, later challenged by saffron outfits, has led to relative better presence of schools and health institutions in the region. But for tribals, forestland rights still remain an emotive issue.
The constituency also witnessed the recent carving of a new district — Tapi — just before the 2007 Assembly polls. The tribals’ affiliation remains fiercely contested, with saffron groups having made inroads and taking on Christian converts as well as missionary groups quite often.
The late Chief Minister Amarsinh Chaudhary’s son Dr Tushar Chaudhary made his LS debut in 2004 and is the favourite this time also. The BJP has fielded newcomer Ritesh Vasava — a UPSC aspirant — to take on him.
Congress old-timer Chhitu Gamit, who now stands sidelined and has taken near retirement, had consecutively won the constituency earlier. But his sons now stand divided between the Congress and the BJP. One of his sons continues to be a committed Congressman, while other openly moves with BJP candidate Ritesh Vasava.
The Gamit juniors nurse resentment for being sidelined after Amarsinh Chaudhary’s son emerged as the leader in the region even as their father won the seat for seven times.
The region will also miss the presence of Jhina Darji, an old time Congressman, who had clobbered together the feuding factions of the Congress in 2004 to ensure victory in both the tribal seats in the region.
A vital link to neighbouring Maharashtra, the region has the famous Vedchhi ashram, run by Gandhians, who also run educational institutes. Sugarcane farming has led to the presence of sugar co-operatives, which play a major role in local politics.
The traditional consumption of alcohol remains one of the banes in the region, though some tribal villages have passed resolutions banning liquor consumption. Although Bardoli is relatively water sufficient, displacement due to dam projects affecting tribals still rankles. Many prefer to migrate to bigger cities like Surat for better employment opportunities.
Compared to the northern and central tribal regions of the state, the tribals in southern Gujarat are much better organised politically as well as socially. The concentration of Gandhian as well as Christian missionary organisations, later challenged by saffron outfits, has led to relative better presence of schools and health institutions in the region. But for tribals, forestland rights still remain an emotive issue.
The constituency also witnessed the recent carving of a new district — Tapi — just before the 2007 Assembly polls. The tribals’ affiliation remains fiercely contested, with saffron groups having made inroads and taking on Christian converts as well as missionary groups quite often.
The late Chief Minister Amarsinh Chaudhary’s son Dr Tushar Chaudhary made his LS debut in 2004 and is the favourite this time also. The BJP has fielded newcomer Ritesh Vasava — a UPSC aspirant — to take on him.
Congress old-timer Chhitu Gamit, who now stands sidelined and has taken near retirement, had consecutively won the constituency earlier. But his sons now stand divided between the Congress and the BJP. One of his sons continues to be a committed Congressman, while other openly moves with BJP candidate Ritesh Vasava.
The Gamit juniors nurse resentment for being sidelined after Amarsinh Chaudhary’s son emerged as the leader in the region even as their father won the seat for seven times.
The region will also miss the presence of Jhina Darji, an old time Congressman, who had clobbered together the feuding factions of the Congress in 2004 to ensure victory in both the tribal seats in the region.
Post delimitation, with parts of Surat being included in the Bardoli (ST) seat, it could mean more caution and work for the Congressmen though.
Source: The Indian Express
No comments:
Post a Comment