Rahul visits Umiya Temple in Unjha

Unjha: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited Umiya Mandir on Wednesday. He offered prayers at the temple.  He was accompanied by State Congress President Bharatsinh Solanki, Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela and senior leader Siddharth Patel.  Goddess Umiya or Uma is Kuldevi of Kadva Patidar community.  As general elections of Gujarat assembly are less than a year away, Gandhi scion’s visit to the temple is largely viewed under political shadow. Congress party in Gujarat is trying to woo Patidar community votes. Patidars are conventionally BJP supporters but quota agitation led by Kadva Patidar youth Hardik Patel has caused partial damage to this support. Leader of NCP Praful Patel and leader of AAP Arvind Kejriwal have visited Gujarat recently expecting to get benefit of situation and gain Patidar votes. Now Rahul Gandhi is also here for same reason. In January,2017 Janata Dal(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is slated to  address a rally in Gujarat. Rahul is going to address a public meeting in Mahesana which has elected Congress candidate to Lok Sabha in 2009. Thanks to Patidar agitation which was on its height last year, Mahesana town has elected Congress to local body. Today huge crowd has been gathered in Mahesana which is around one-lakh strong.