As the former Congress MP from the Chhotaudepur (ST) constituency filed his nomination papers at the Vadodara district panchayat office on Monday, some of his tribal supporters were already celebrating. Traditional dances, accompanied by rhythms picked out on the dhol told all who cared to listen where exactly their vote was.

The 2,000 people who had come to see the BJP's Vadodara candidate Jayaben Thakkar file her papers on Saturday paled into insignificance next to a Badamdi Gardens packed with Congress workers, who had gathered to hear their leaders speak. Traffic was held up for more than 15 minutes as Rathwa loyalists (and other Congress workers) walked from Rajmahal Road, where their vehicles were parked, to the gardens. There was no slogan-shouting; only a few crackers were burst.

``We've come from Chhotaudepur because because Naranbhai is filing his papers today'', said an aged supporter. ``We ate something before coming, but we've been promised breakfast.''

While one man claimed they hadn't been paid anything for the show of support, another said the cost of diesel would certainly be reimbursed. District Development Officer Anju Sharma's chamber was almost as crowded as Badamdi Gardens. Among others present were Rathwa mentor and former Forest Minister Mohansinh Rathwa, former Union Minister Urmilaben Patel, Savli MLA Khumansinh Chauhan and Dabhoi MLA Siddharth Patel. Dummy candidates also filed their papers.

But there was little doubt who stole the show. Talking to Express Newsline later, Naran Rathwa built on that by claiming his margin would increase from the one he posted in the last elections. ``The BJP's multiple failures at the Centre, the local taluka and the district panchayat will benefit the Congress'', he said. ``Besides, of course, there's my work in the constituency.''