The Bharuch Municipal Corporation elections in Gujarat, India, have become contentious following remarks by Congress leader Ishaq Sheikh. At a rally in Ward No. 8, Sheikh suggested that the voting patterns of Muslims are linked to recent bulldozer actions against illegal properties. He urged the Muslim community to unite, stating, 'If the 80 lakh Muslims of Gujarat unite and vote together, no bulldozer will ever run over your home.' The BJP swiftly condemned these comments, labeling them as an attempt to incite communal fear. Marutisinh Atodariya, a BJP executive member, defended the use of bulldozers, asserting that they are a legal tool used against anti-social elements, not targeted at any religion. As polling day approaches, the rhetoric has intensified, with Congress supporters viewing Sheikh's remarks as a call for political unity and the BJP accusing the opposition of engaging in 'appeasement politics.' This clash underscores the shifting focus from civic issues to identity politics in the region.