Tough battle for Praful Patel in Gondia

It's a do or die battle for Union Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel, who is contesting from the Gondia constituency in these elections.

Gondia is the NCP leader's home town but he has lost the last two elections from the constituency. With just 15 days left before Gondia goes to the polls, the civil aviation minister plans to give it his all.

Patel mets district level Congress and NCP workers before he began his campaign.

Patel's family has been in Gondia for generations. Despite that he lost the last two elections and this time with many small candidates in the fray, he may not find it such smooth sailing.

In 1999, Patel lost because the NCP broke away from the Congress, leading to a division of votes. In 2004, the Bahujan Samaj Party ate into the Congress-NCP base. The BJP won Gondia.

This time the BSP has fielded a candidate from the OBC community, which has a substantial presence in the region.

"We are not here to defeat anyone else but to win," said BSP candidate Virendra Jaiswal, who is a lawyer by profession.

However, Patel is hoping things will be different this time.

"This is not a region where the BJP has a base. After what happened last time people have realised that the result benefitted the BJP and Sena so they will vote differently," said Patel.

With campaigning yet to begin, the mood on the ground is difficult to gauge.

Patel has hardly been in Gondia since he became Union Minister. He usually comes to Gondia, gets a few pictures clicked, and goes away.

But there are many who feel differently.

"Praful Patel has done a lot for Gondia. We are happy with him," said a local resident.

Clearly it's this sentiment Patel will be counting on as he fights for what has become a prestige battle.