Surat: A clash broke out in the Gorat locality of Rander after residents protested against BJP functionaries who had entered the area to campaign for municipal election candidates.The BJP team included local MLA Purnesh Modi, former mayor Hemali Boghawala and former councillor Anil Biscuitwala. Residents objected to the campaign and asked the leaders to leave the area.Tempers were frayed as arguments between residents and the campaign team escalated into a scuffle. During the commotion, three women suffered minor injuries and one woman fainted. The injured were taken to New Civil Hospital for treatment.According to residents, the situation escalated after a woman protester was allegedly attacked by a member of the campaign team. This led to more locals gathering at the spot and confronting the BJP workers. Amid the chaos, one of the candidates reportedly took shelter inside a nearby house. Police were later called to the scene and escorted the candidate out safely.Local resident Ashit Gandhi claimed that Modi had earlier informed locals about visiting the Gorat Hanuman Temple. “We allowed only a temple visit, but later they started campaigning in the evening. Hence, we protested and during the protest one of the women was attacked by a worker,” he alleged.People living around the temple had earlier put up banners urging political leaders to seek votes only if they could ensure protection of the shrine. Some locals alleged that the temple is now surrounded by residential buildings belonging to other communities, which has created a sense of insecurity among long-time residents.
