BJP gains minority votes in Malehra by-poll

Bhopal, Nov 11 (UNI) The BJP finally galvanised minority votes during October 30 Malehra assembly by-poll and the electoral success was attributed to BJP candidate Kapoor Chand Ghuwara's persona besides ''a period of change,'' senior party leaders said.

Minority voters -- a strong vote bank that has supported political turncoat Mr Ghuwara for more than two decades -- turned out in force and helped the BJP win the by-election, they added.

''Many things had changed. Mr Ghuwara's persona could be the cause behind securing minority votes but a change in the thinking of these section could not be denied,'' BJP General Secretary Anil Dave said.

Having contested on the CPI ticket before, Mr Ghuwara said, ''It's true that I had received support of minority and weaker sections from nearly three decades. It's an asset for a people's representative. However, minority sections are shedding their doubts about the BJP over a period of time.'' Mr Dave does not consider Mr Ghuwara's entry into the party as something abnormal. However, a section of the BJP had expressed their reservations.

''We were looking for victory from Malehra. Mr Ghuwara and the BJP came together as true friends and positive results are before us,'' Mr Dave observed, noting that the party could adopt similar strategies in future but it will not mean a change in its goals.

Stating that people in this constituency viewed him as a well-wisher, Mr Ghuwara told UNI the relationship had developed over years and there was no threat to the trust reposed in him despite changing party twice.

''People understand that just fighting election is not enough and victory is important to be able to fulfil promises of development,'' he said.

Mr Ghuwara claimed that the BJP had similarities to the Communists if issues related to religion were put aside. The Left worried about the last man in the queue, while the BJP talked about Antodaya Darshan.

Political observers believe that Mr Ghuwara's entry into the BJP was a part of ''fusion strategy'' wherein winning has assumed foremost importance and the BJP was ready to be flexible.

UNI SD-PS PA HS1134