"These are strong MLAs who did not bow to massive allurements," an office-bearer said.It also appears a serious bid to convey to members that Congress would stand by functionaries who withstand poaching attempts by rivals. The party had been hit hard by defections of seniors ahead of the state polls in Assam and Uttarakhand that it lost.Congress won 57 seats out of 182 in the 2012 Gujarat polls while BJP won 119. However, defections have left Congress with 43 MLAs. "Our candidates will have enough time to canvass," a senior leader said.It is feared that Shankarsinh Vaghela's decision to set up his own outfit portends ill for the "secular" camp. While Vaghela's sympathisers have mostly joined BJP his new platform seems a future home for those denied Congress tickets.It would aim to split Congress votes, benefitting BJP.

Source: Times of India November 04, 2017 21:45 UTC