Uday Khachar, a college student residing in Botad, told rediff.com: "Modi believes in development. Thanks to the BJP government, Botad's Paliyad road is as good as the satellite road of Ahmedabad. You should take a walk there. Towns of Gujarat are now booming."

He adds, "Modi is liked by all because his speeches attract people. Second, Modi has cut everybody to size. Now, no one community or no one religion can bully the other. He ensures that all remain equal."

Patel's hoardings in Botad proclaim, 'If you want Gujarat to become Japan, talk about development. If you want to turn Gujarat into Bihar, talk about casteism.' However, Patel's story of development and politics has a little twist. On reading the above one may be assured of his victory. However, there are some who think otherwise.

Suman Wala (identity changed), a Kshatriya, is a builder and has many schemes under construction all over the city. Well-informed, Wala argues: "Pithawala is a multi-millionaire. He is one of the biggest donors for the Askshardham temple in New Delhi. He recently announced a donation of Rs 4 crore to the Swaminarayan institution.

"The Congress candidate will consolidate his position among Koli Patels, his own caste, and among farmers who hate Patel for arresting them or penalising them under allegations of power theft and remember, Pithwala has more money power." When rediff.com tried to contact Pithawala in Botad, his supporters said he will be arriving in the city only on December 1.

Wala says, "The Leuva Patels (a sub-caste) in our area believe that Kadva Patels (another sub-caste) were not raided by the electricity department as many times as they were because Saurabh Patel was biased towards the latter." Another factor that goes against Patel is the crucial factor of cost of power. 'Saurabhbhai has increased the electricity bills of residences' -- is a common complaint in Botad city, says Wala, adding, "At the end of the day, the actual cost of electricity bill will be the deciding factor and not the developmental work." That explains why Modi is talking about security issue as much as development.

Image: Modi's speeches and his administrative decisions are a hit among Botad's youth.

Also read: In Modi land, Congress decides to fight fire with fire

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