Rupani, Hardik clash with massive rallies

It was a day to show strength for the ruling BJP and Patel quota stir organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti in the diamond city of Surat.

While Chief Minister Vijay Rupani took out a massive road show in BJP's stronghold Majura constituency, Hardik Patel took out his road show in other parts of the city. While the chief minister's rally was restricted to one constituency, Hardik's rally was slated to travel across 50 km and cover six constituencies in the city. Surprisingly, both the rallies were well attended.

The chief minister, who began his yatra from Sargam Shopping Centre in Majura, for his part called Hardik a Congress agent and said that he stood exposed before everyone. "Look at the surging crowd. There is no heartburn against our party. We are going to win 150+ seats," Rupani said.

Hardik took out his 'Mahakranti Rally' from a temple at Katargam area of Varachha constituency. A sea of yellow caps welcomed Hardik wherever he went. Some burst firecrackers, others screamed their throats out.

Five held for attack

Police in Rajkot on Sunday arrested five people in connection with an attack on brother of Indranil Rajguru. Indranil Rajguru is the Congress' candidate against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot (West) constituency.

This, after a political drama engulfed the town on Saturday night, when Rajguru, Mitul Donga - Cong candidate from Rajkot (East) - and supporters rushed to the CM's home in Rajkot, to protest against the attack over a dispute related to removal of posters. The Congress claimed the attackers were from BJP. The BJP accused Rajguru and supporters of staging the protest in an inebriated state.