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Entry into Politics: An Amazement
If we examine the contemporary political tendencies and

the lives of political leaders, then the entry of Vasantbhai into
politics was no less than a matter of wonder. Politics has little to
do with values, yet Vasantbhai never accorded priority to politics
due to his values.

It was the time of Parliamentary elections in 1971. There is
a possibility of change if the strategy of one-against-one is
adopted – all political parties were of this view. The name of
Vasantbhai led the rest amongst the possible candidates for
Ahmedabad seat. Looking at the political situation at that time,
there was no reason for Vasantbhai not to get the ticket. The
Jana Sangh started preparation for the election. The propaganda
bills were put up at every place in Ahmedabad. The invigorated
workers were busy in their work, and in the final moments, an
unexpected decision was taken in Delhi, that was that
Vasantbhai would not fight the election. This news was like a
bolt from the blue for the workers working energetically in
Ahmedabad. They expressed their anguish, some even
declared – no ticket to Vasantbhai, no work. In such a situation
even, Vasantbhai did not feel bad at not getting the ticket, and
he urged the volunteers to work devotedly to support the new
candidate Jaikrishnabhai and to ensure his victory. He convinced
the disappointed volunteers himself in person and lightened
the atmosphere. He activated all volunteers – young and old.
Whatever decisions are taken in the national good, we must
stand by them keeping all personal interests aside and to make
all efforts for its execution. He followed such values and taught
others to follow them too.

During these days, Shambhu Maharaj was the Jana Sangh’s
candidate at Dhandhuka. As soon as the election process was
set in motion, the Jana Sangh put forward the name of Shambhu
Maharaj. At this time, a popular leader came to meet Vasantbhai.
He was a leading leader of the vote bank in the Dhandhuka
parliamentary seat and had influence among other voters too.
There were still a few days left for the nomination to be
submitted. He came with the name of another candidate