Not surprisingly, the Patidar factor has dominated the ticket distribution: There are as many as 15 Patidar candidates - the largest component. This isn't the list of the first phase of elections (December 9) but essentially a list of seats that the BJP thinks are safe. YOUNG GUNS VS BJPPolitical observers say the list reflects the fact that there's an ongoing movement against the BJP by young guns like Patidar leader Hardik Patel. At least nine Thakor candidates have been fielded. Though Sanghani isn't a strong candidate for the seat, he's perceived as a popular community leader and has been chosen to send a larger message to the community.

Source: India Today November 17, 2017 11:02 UTC