Political platters

Wooing voters through their palate Nayan Dave | TNN  Rajkot: If for women the way to men’s hearts is through his stomach, then the same applies for politicians, who are trying to reach out to the voters’ heart.     And what better way to do it than organise ‘Tava parties’. Only in this region, which goes to polls on December 11, the menu has to have the Kathiawadi flavour to suit the taste buds of Saurashtrians.     Mostly it is supporters of candidates in fray, who are organising the parties in the night to gather people at one place for canvassing.     The city, in particular, has become a hot spot for hosting such ‘Tava parties’, where practically all and sundry are free to walk in and enjoy a meal and Congress and BJP candidates’ supporters are competing with each other to host maximum number of parties in different areas.     If politicians do not mind hosting the parties as the goodies put out for ‘guests’ are cheap, people do not mind thronging there as the menu includes tasty dishes including bati (cooked dough), spicy mix vegetable curry, papad and chaas (buttermilk).     While the people start gathering at around 8 pm for the party, which begins with speeches followed by dinner.     “The Tava parties has become popular when chief minister Narendra Modi contested the by-election from Rajkot-2 constituency in 2001. This effective mode of canvassing caught on subsequently and is popular during all sorts of elections may it be for civic body or co-operative institutions”, said a senior BJP leader requesting anonymity.     Without giving the number of parties BJP has organized, Vijay Rupani, in charge of BJP Saurashtra-Kutch region said that it the most effective medium for candidates to reach out to people. However, congress candidate Kashmira Nathvani said that already 70 odd such parties has been organized by her party in the last one week.     Dissident BJP MP Dr Vallabh Kathiria, who was in one of parties hosted by Nathvani said that, he would like to use the platform against Modi and not to oppose the saffron party. He confirms that Sardar Patel Utkarsh Samiti was also utilising Tava parties to create anti-Modi sentiment.     State finance minister Vajubhai Vala, a candidate, however, was diplomatic when he said that he never staged such party, but never refused an invitation to one. His staunch supporter Gunvant Delavala said that he along with other Vala supporters have organized several such parties.     Jitu Maheta, BJP dissident and supporter of Uma Bharati said that he has already organized four anti-Modi Tava parties.     And for people like Rasik Makvana, a city resident, for the last 10 days dinner has been at the Tava parties every night. People in large numbers having traditional Tava food at a political meeting in Rajkot