Political Turmoil Marks Gujarat Local Body Election Nominations
The final day for withdrawing nominations in Gujarat's upcoming local body elections was marked by intense political activity and serious allegations of coercion and intimidation. The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have both accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing strong-arm tactics to force candidates out of the electoral fray.
Massive Withdrawals and Uncontested Wins
According to official figures from the State Election Commission (SEC), a total of 1,572 candidates withdrew their nominations on Wednesday. In a significant development, 325 candidates were declared uncontested winners across various local bodies. This leaves 26,140 candidates still in the race for the April 26 elections, which will cover 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats.
The breakdown of remaining candidates is as follows:
- 3,204 candidates for municipal corporation elections
- 5,589 candidates for municipality elections
- 22 candidates for municipality byelections
- 3,127 candidates for district panchayat elections
- 14,198 candidates for taluka panchayat elections
Congress Candidates Allege Coercion in Ahmedabad
Four Congress candidates in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation elections released video statements on Wednesday, alleging systematic pressure from BJP workers to withdraw their nominations.
Bina Modi, the Congress candidate from Isanpur ward, claimed in her video statement that she was offered Rs 30 lakh to withdraw her nomination. She described this as a clear attempt to buy her out of the electoral process.
Ruhi Shah, contesting from Jodhpur ward, alleged that BJP member Raju Amarkotiya told her that Rosewood Estate society, where she resides, is a "BJP society" and that she should withdraw her nomination. She also stated that she was offered money to step down from the race.
Nehal Panchal, the Congress candidate from Chandlodia ward, revealed that she has temporarily moved with her two children to the Congress office for safety. She claimed she was threatened "to be transported on a stretcher" if she did not withdraw her candidature.
Pradip Patel, another candidate from Chandlodia ward, issued a video statement alleging that BJP workers barged into his office and coerced him to withdraw his nomination.
AAP Takes Protective Measures in Surat
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party took extraordinary security measures by moving all its candidates for the Surat Municipal Corporation polls to a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city. The candidates allege they were being systematically intimidated to leave the electoral contest.
In Surat, Congress workers staged protests after one of their party's candidates arrived to withdraw his nomination, suggesting external pressure was involved in his decision.
Violent Clashes and Tense Scenes
The political tension escalated into physical confrontations in some areas. In Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara district, Congress and BJP workers grappled with each other after supporters of BJP MLA Shailesh Mehta and Dabhoi taluka Congress president Sudhir Barot clashed over the withdrawal of a Congress candidate. Police had to intervene to control the volatile situation.
Tense scenes were also witnessed in Sutrapada of Gir-Somnath district, where Congress and AAP workers alleged that one candidate each from their parties were escorted to the mamlatdar's office by BJP workers to withdraw their nomination papers on Wednesday.
Rare BJP Withdrawal and Security Concerns
In a rare instance, a BJP candidate withdrew his nomination under community pressure. Bharat Samla from the Kamrej-2 taluka panchayat pulled out from the race after strong protests from the majority tribal community, who demanded a tribal candidate be fielded from the seat.
Congress media convener Manish Doshi raised additional concerns about election security arrangements on Wednesday. He alleged that a majority of district home guards commandants were affiliated with the BJP, stating, "Such persons should not be part of security arrangements if elections are to be free and fair."
Election Schedule
Polling across all civic bodies in Gujarat will be held on April 26, while the counting of votes across the state is scheduled for April 28. The elections cover a wide range of local governance bodies that play crucial roles in municipal administration and rural development throughout the state.
