Gujarat Local Polls: 722 Seats Declared Uncontested Amid Allegations of Coercion
With just ten days remaining before the April 26 local body elections in Gujarat, official data reveals that 722 seats have been declared uncontested following 1,663 candidate withdrawals. The State Election Commission reported that municipalities saw the highest number of uncontested seats, with significant withdrawals also recorded in taluka panchayats and municipal corporations. The Congress party has alleged systematic political maneuvering by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming their candidates faced threats, monetary inducements, and social pressure to withdraw nominations. Several Congress candidates reported being contacted by police, BJP leaders, and even relatives urging them to step down. In response, Congress plans to launch a statewide protest titled 'Lokshahi Bachao Andolan' to highlight these alleged irregularities. Specific incidents include candidates being taken to unknown locations and offered material benefits in exchange for withdrawal. Despite these controversies, the electoral process continues for the remaining contested seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats, with returning officers still processing final entries.
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Gujarat Local Polls: 722 Seats Declared Uncontested Amid Allegations of Coercion
With just ten days remaining before the April 26 local body elections in Gujarat, official data reveals that 722 seats have been declared uncontested following 1,663 candidate withdrawals. The State Election Commission reported that municipalities saw the highest number of uncontested seats, with significant withdrawals also recorded in taluka panchayats and municipal corporations. The Congress party has alleged systematic political maneuvering by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming their candidates faced threats, monetary inducements, and social pressure to withdraw nominations. Several Congress candidates reported being contacted by police, BJP leaders, and even relatives urging them to step down. In response, Congress plans to launch a statewide protest titled 'Lokshahi Bachao Andolan' to highlight these alleged irregularities. Specific incidents include candidates being taken to unknown locations and offered material benefits in exchange for withdrawal. Despite these controversies, the electoral process continues for the remaining contested seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats, with returning officers still processing final entries.
The Indian Express