BJP goes all out to woo Christians in Bardoli

SURAT: In the previous elections, the Christian community in tribal south Gujarat has largely remained off the BJP's radar. But, things are different this time around as the party is going all out to woo this minority community in Uchhal, Vyara and Songadh talukas of Tapi district that form a part of Bardoli Lok Sabha constituency.
While Songadh taluka has around 55 per cent of the Christian voters, the community constitutes around 30 per cent voters in Vyara and Uchhal.These are the three talukas where the Congress heavyweight and Union minister of road transport and highways Tushar Chaudhary has a strong support base due to his proximity to the Christian leaders.
Recently, the BJP leaders in Tapi were successful in wooing the known Christian face from Songadh Vasanji Gamit who is chairman of the health committee of Tapi district panchayat along with two pastors Sukha Pastor and Raman Pastor from Moti Kherwan and Nani Kherwan villages in Songadh.
Sources said that Gamit was very close to Chaudhary's right hand man Mavji Chaudhary who is the president of Tapi district panchayat.
Chaudhary is the son of former Gujarat chief minister Amarsinh Chaudhary. He is pitted against Prabhu Vasava, a Congress MLA from Mandvi who switched sides recently.
Sources said the BJP is wooing the Christian missionaries who enjoy good presence in the remote villages. Meetings are being organized in the villages dominated by Christians in Uchhal, Nizar, Songadh and Vyara talukas.
BJP general secretary Mayank Joshi said, "We have been receiving an overwhelming response from the tribal Christians voters in Bardoli constituency. Many Christian missionaries and pastors in the villages have vouched their support for us."