Last-Minute Candidate Withdrawals and Kidnapping Allegations Hit Congress in Gujarat Polls
The Indian National Congress faced significant setbacks during the final day of nomination withdrawals for the April 26 Gujarat local body elections. Amidst high drama, at least nine Congress candidates across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara withdrew their nominations, reportedly without consulting party leadership. In Surat, the party had relocated candidates to Udaipur, Daman, and Vapi to shield them from alleged pressure tactics by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), yet two candidates still managed to withdraw. Family members of some candidates filed kidnapping complaints, which Congress leaders dismissed as fabricated attempts to intimidate them. Candidate Bharat Kambad issued an affidavit denying abduction claims, stating he isolated himself to avoid coercion. Conversely, withdrawing candidates in Surat recorded video statements asserting their decisions were voluntary and free from political pressure. The situation escalated in Kheda district, where all candidates for the Chikhlod seat withdrew, necessitating fresh elections. Congress officials accused the BJP of using money, threats, and social pressure to destabilize their campaign, particularly affecting new candidates. These developments highlight intense political friction and strategic maneuvering ahead of the municipal polls.
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Last-Minute Candidate Withdrawals and Kidnapping Allegations Hit Congress in Gujarat Polls
The Indian National Congress faced significant setbacks during the final day of nomination withdrawals for the April 26 Gujarat local body elections. Amidst high drama, at least nine Congress candidates across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara withdrew their nominations, reportedly without consulting party leadership. In Surat, the party had relocated candidates to Udaipur, Daman, and Vapi to shield them from alleged pressure tactics by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), yet two candidates still managed to withdraw. Family members of some candidates filed kidnapping complaints, which Congress leaders dismissed as fabricated attempts to intimidate them. Candidate Bharat Kambad issued an affidavit denying abduction claims, stating he isolated himself to avoid coercion. Conversely, withdrawing candidates in Surat recorded video statements asserting their decisions were voluntary and free from political pressure. The situation escalated in Kheda district, where all candidates for the Chikhlod seat withdrew, necessitating fresh elections. Congress officials accused the BJP of using money, threats, and social pressure to destabilize their campaign, particularly affecting new candidates. These developments highlight intense political friction and strategic maneuvering ahead of the municipal polls.
indianexpress