Porbandar: Why ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could not win Kutiyana and Ranavav municipality elections in Porbandar district of coastal Saurashtra? The answer lies in the hold of a local Samjwadi Party leader and MLA Kandhal Jadeja’s domination over local Maher community voters and consolidation of non-BJP votes in his favour as a challenger to BJP.

Kandhal who as an MLA votes for BJP in Rajya Sabha elections and manage to roam free, while number of criminal cases are pending against him in various courts, enjoys hold over Maher community voters in rural Porbandar.

Son of late Santokben Jadeja and Sarman Munja, both known for bloody violence and gang operated by them in the last century, Kandhal wins assembly election irrespective of whichever party he chooses or even when he contests as an independent candidate.

Kutiyana and Ranavav are the towns where Kandhal fielded candidates under the banner of Samajwadi Party this time. Kandhal was previously with NCP. BJP could secure victory of 8 out of total 28 seats in Ranavav municipality election and 10 out of 24 seats in Kutiyana. All other seats are won by Kandhal led Samajwadi Party candidates. Kandhal is presently MPS from Kutiyana. DeshGujarat