PHAGVEL (Kheda), AUGUST 25 Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Gaurav Yatra has left this village of over 15,000 cold. This is where on September 3, Modi will launch the Yatra from the temple of Bhatiji Maharaj, a legendary kind who died fighting to protect cows. At best there is indifference, at worst — for the BJP — resentment that the party has no qualms about endangering the fragile peace.

‘‘If this Yatra is meant to show that the BJP and Modi feel ‘gaurav’ (pride) over what has happened in the state in the past few months, very few people will support it,’’ says Abhaysinh Rathod, a prosperous farmer. And this is the refrain here.

An SRP jawan guards the Bhatiji Maharaj temple in Phagvel village where Modi will launch his Gaurav Yatra on September 3. (Below) The sarpanch of Phagvel village, Abhaybhai Dahyabhai. Express photos by Harsh Shah The prosperous green belt of Phagvel-Kapadwanj is dominated by Kshatriyas and is a stronghold of the newly-anointed PCC chief, Shankersinh Vaghela. He was elected MP from this area with a margin of 65,000. So, in a way, the BJP has taken the battle straight into the enemy camp.

But it’s not finding many takers for the Yatra in the village or Kathlal Taluka in which it is situated. In desperation, it’s now trying to involve sarpanch Abhaybhai Dahyabhai by promising funds for the Phagvel temple, 12 handpumps and an assured place in the local cooperatives.

The sarpanch is apprehensive: ‘‘There is some resentment among the villagers who feel this sacred temple is being used for a political purpose. There are more than 15,000 people in this village and hardly anyone has any interest in the Yatra. We don’t want any trouble here. This village has been very peaceful till now.’’

‘‘If the Yatra is for a religious purpose, this is not the time because it will only cause more tension and probably violence,’’ says another villager, Virji. Not many on the Yatra route are aware of it, and those who know don’t want it to take place, fearing violence. The Hindus are indifferent while the Muslims are nervous.

Post-Godhra, the area had remained largely peaceful. Four persons were, however, killed in nearby Kapadwanj village where the Yatra will reach on the afternoon of September 3. There are 15 places, spread over five districts, which the Yatra will pass through.

With Phagvel proving to be difficult, the BJP is trying hard to whip up passions in Kapadvanj. ‘‘We are preparing to receive the Yatra in a big way. The entire town will participate and we are getting tremendous support,’’ claims Amit Shah, brother of Kapadwanj BJP MLA Bimal Shah. But a drive through the town shows the people are apprehensive.

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The 3,000 Muslims in Kapadvanj are feeling uneasy. Some local advocates tried to meet Bimal Shah on Friday to seek an assurance that there would be no violence but Shah didn’t turn up for the meeting. ‘‘We have nothing to do with the Yatra and we don’t oppose it either, please ensure our safety,’’ pleads Ayub Pathan, a resident.