Ex-Congress president salvages fight as Anand locals butter BJP

ANAND: In the milk city of India, Anand, where the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel still echoes, its unwavering support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems prominent. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Anand locals have resolutely buttered their support for the saffron party, leaving the hand of Congress.

Chitranjan Patel, a resident, told The New Indian, “I support the BJP because BJP has done a lot of work, the Congress has not done anything, it sat idle and took everyone’s money.”

His assertion reflects a common refrain heard across the city—the tangible impact of the BJP’s governance versus the perceived stagnation under the Congress.

For Reena Jetwal, the choice is clear, despite Amit Chavde’s stature as the state president of the Congress, she throws her support behind Mitesh Bhai Patel, and said, “Mitesh Bhai Patel is strong because he has been the leader for 5 years,”

She added with conviction, “We like his work—road work, water, he also passed many bills including railway station bills of 300 crores.”

The sentiment continues through every corner of Anand, even Kokila Ben, an elderly woman declares BJP as the eventual winner.

One of the few shared their sentiments with Congress as well, as B.N. Patel said, he said: “Initially, the Congress spearheaded a lot of development, now, Modi is continuing the development, every party has made its contribution, and we cannot overlook the Congress’ role in it.” Mool Ji Bhai Patel and his wife however felt the BJP would win but seemed inclined towards the work of the Congress.

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The resonance of the BJP’s developmental narrative extends beyond native Gujaratis, Pawan Kumar Namdev, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, who has run a fast food outlet in Anand for the past 12 years said, “BJP will win, I like it here in Anand so I stayed.”

Mira Ayar expressed her complete support to Modi and said, “Anand and Vidhyanagar development is only by BJP, I will only and always support BJP among others.”

Even Kartik Pathak, an NRI with roots in Anand, said, “Definitely, BJP will win, and that too with 400 seats. I like the way Modi is working. I have come here after the last elections and seen prominent infrastructural developments, like better roads and the construction of an overbridge.”