In Gujarat battle, Congress prepares for 2019 poll war

Party is quietly collecting data points to puncture Modi govt's claims on key issues

Shweta Brahmbhatt, 34, an investment banker, is the Congress candidate from Ahmedabad’s Maninagar constituency – the seat that elected Narendra Modi, the then chief minister, to the Gujarat assembly thrice from 2002 to 2012. Vijay Dave, a doctorate, is contesting on a Congress ticket from the nearby Ellis Bridge constituency.

Both Brahmbhatt and Dave, fielded in the face of resistance from the party rank and file, are making their electoral debut. Their candidature also marks the electoral debut of Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Gowda-led research department of the party in the tumult of elections. Dave heads the research team in