How the BJP's formidable election machinery is trying to retain Gujarat

On a recent Friday morning, Dhansukh Patel -- volunteer, loyal foot soldier and long-time member of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party -- sat on the verandah of his home deep in discussion with aides on strategies to win more voters to the party. 
 

As the western province of Gujarat holds state elections, Patel is on a mission to ensure that most of the 1,400 people in his village of Umber vote for the BJP. Aided by a database with details about local voters collected over the years, his team of eleven people have been knocking on doors, sending WhatsApp messages