He had taken an unusual vow during the elections this time. He had sworn by Aasahpura, his family deity, to take a dandwat yatra (to prostrate oneself) from his native village of Ribda to Aashapura Madh in Gondal town, if Modi returned to power.

Annirudhsinh, who evoked terror in Gondal in the late eighties, was seen in a completely different avataar on Monday and Tuesday. Once seen as one of the notorious criminals in the area, Annirudhsinh was seen dutifully and faithfully taking each step towards Aashapura Madh, as his supporters rolled out carpets at intervals to enable him to perform his vow.

Annirudhsinh, who was recently released from the Junagadh District Jail on a 45-day parole, embarked on a yatra on Monday night. By Tuesday afternoon, he had already completed the 20-kilometre distance without a single break. In keeping with his vow, he consumed water only after offering his prayers.

In full public view during the 1998 Independence Day celebrations at Gondal, Annirudhsinh had shot dead the then Gondal Congress MLA Popat Sorathiya, political rival of his father Mahipatsinh Jadeja, who was then the Gondal taluka panchayat president.

The 49-year-old who now has only a one-and-a-half year tenure of his sentence left, said, "Modi's comeback will ensure a check on the crime rate. The people of Gujarat can rest assured about their security and safety. Every family now has a reason to feel safe."

A growing political difference between Sorathiya and Mahipatsinh made Annirudhsinh kill the former. He was later convicted and awarded a life sentence in 1996. His father went on to contest the next two Assembly elections as an Independent and an NCP candidate, but lost both time to BJP candidate Jayrajsinh Jadeja.

According to reports, while in jail, Annirudhsinh made peace with Jayrajsinh Jadeja some two years back. His men worked for Jayrajsinh while the later contested for the third time from the Gondal seat. Annirudhsinh's father contested as an Independent from Babra seat in Amreli district this time.

Report By : Hiral Dave
Courtesy By : ExpressIndia