A few days ago, Doli and every village leading to it in Panchmahals was gripped by patriotic fervour when the mortal remains of martyr Rumalsinh Rajat were flown in. Every lane, every village had people shouting emotional slogans. Today, the BJP claims credit for the surge in patriotism. Panchmahals district organising secretary Jitendra Rai says, ``Every lane, every village will vote for the BJP because of the Kargil vijay; there is patriotism everywhere.''

But there are others who beg to differ. Says Ramesh Rajat, nephew of the late Rumalsinh, ``What has that (patriotism) got to do with elections. Rumalbhai laid his life for the nation not for any political party. Why should anyone vote or even not vote for Kargil?''

He says his village will vote as it has been doing every time. Says Sursinh Rajat rather lazily, ``Kauney khabar kauney mat aapishu, yuddh ney chutni tou judi vaat thainey (who knows who will we vote forwar and elections are different things).''

Rumalsinh's widow has got the promised compensation and is overwhelmed by the help coming from different quarters. But she is also shocked that Rumalsinh's ``sacrifice would be used to fetch votes''.

``Perhaps, the war could have been prevented. I don't know, may be,'' she says from behind the purdah covering half her face. She isn't sure who she will vote for. Or whether she will vote at all.

Traditionally, votes in Doli are split between the Congress and BJP with a majority garnered by the former.

"It falls under Dahod Lok Sabha constituency where Congress veteran Somji Damor seeks his eighth victory in a row. ``All that will change now; Kargil and leadership of Atalji will give us all 26 seats in Gujarat,'' says BJP's Rai.

How much difference does this make to Doli? Ratansinh Verabhai has the answer when he innocently asks whether it is a BJP Government in Delhi at present. And after a few seconds when he doesn't get a reply, grins and says, ``It is the Congress, no?''

When was an election last held? ``Char-panch, kadach bey-tran varsh thai gaya (four-five or may be two-three years ago).'' This question very few in Doli could answer.

But who will they vote for? Sursinh is very sure. He doesn't bat an eyelid when he declares, ``The one who gives me more money.''