Jignesh Mevani’s victory is a triumph of those who, instead of believing the Prime Minister of this country, trusted an indefatigable youth.
The Dalit leader won from Vadgam seat in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district and defeated BJP nominee Vijay Chakravarti by 19,696 votes.
Mevani had contested as an independent candidate with Congress’ support. The Dalit activist, who has been critical of ruling BJP in the State, shot to fame after seven Dalit youths were flogged allegedly by self-styled cow vigilantes at Una district last year.
Other than him, the Gujarat elections have given three young political faces; Alpesh Thakor and Hardik Patel being the other two.
With Jignesh’s winning the elections, there has sparked a ray of hope amongst Dalits who have been subjected to the atrocities by ‘caste members’.
With all these three in politics now, Gujarat can conceivably achieve new heights in ‘real terms’.
Written by Afreen Pervez