VIRAMGAM: In 2007, when Narendra Modi brought Tata Motors‘ Rs 1-lakh-car project to Sanand — after the carmaker was forced to leave Singur in Bengal — it was a massive win for Brand Modi. The move positioned him as the ‘vikaswadi’ leader who would bring employment opportunities to the region.

Ironically, Viramgam, barely 30km from the plant, is the home turf of two caste warriors: Hardik Patel, who is demanding reservations for Patidars; and Alpesh Thakor, who once told the government that Thakors would quit the liquor trade if jobs were available.

Just 35km north of Viramgam, Suzuki has set up a colossal plant. Ford Motors’ engine plant is located closer. While Hardik’s home is in Jhalawadi Patidar Society in the town, his native village Chandranagar is 6km away. Alpesh is a native of Edala, about 15km outside Viramgam.

Both used to hang out often at Bhagyoday Hospital, owned by Dr Tejashree Patel. She is the sitting MLA from Viramgam who defected from Congress to BJP during the recent RS poll, which Ahmed Patel won. While Alpesh and Hardik make waves across the state, Tejashree is nonchalant. “If either Hardik or Alpesh were to contest from Viramgam, they’d lose,” she said.

BJP rules Viramgam and Detroj taluka panchayats. Congress holds Mandal. Bharat Patel, Hardik’s father, who runs a submersible pump repair business, said, “I used to be a worker for Anandiben when she stood from Mandal. That’s why Hardik refers to her as ‘foi’ (father’s sister).” He said he’ll not work for BJP now. “Especially because of things they’ve done to Hardik.”

Chandrakant Patel, of Chandranagar, who has no land and runs a small shop, said: “Caste and jobs will be the biggest factors as both Hardik and Alpesh are from here.”