The Big Fight: Gujarat Elections - A Battle Of Prestige?

Gujarat stepped into poll mode today with the first of the two-phase elections in the state. A BJP bastion, the battle for Gujarat has now become a matter of prestige for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and incumbent Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Would the election be a sitter for the BJP since it has been in power in Gujarat since 1998? Will the Patidar factor come into play and split the vote? This high stakes battle is inextricably linked to the success of Rahul Gandhi as a leader; will he prove to be a worthy leader to rescue the Congress out of a state of stupor?