The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has marked its first triumph in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, clinching victory in Surat even before the polls. Here’s a breakdown of what unfolded:
Mukesh Dalal’s Unopposed Win:
BJP’s candidate Mukesh Dalal has emerged victorious in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency without facing any opposition. This significant win marks a notable milestone for the party as it progresses in the electoral race.
Congratulating Dalal on his uncontested victory, Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil extended his best wishes, acknowledging Dalal’s successful bid for the Surat Lok Sabha seat.
Congress Candidates Face Rejections and Withdrawals:
The path to victory for Dalal saw obstacles for his opponents, particularly from the Congress party. The nomination form of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected by the Returning Officer due to discrepancies, leading to the cancellation of his nomination.
Additionally, eight other candidates who initially contested for the Surat Lok Sabha seat opted to withdraw their nominations, leaving Dalal as the lone contender.
Discrepancies in Proposers’ Signatures:
The rejection of Kumbhani’s nomination stemmed from discrepancies in the signatures of his proposers. Questions raised by the BJP regarding the authenticity of these signatures prompted further scrutiny, ultimately resulting in the rejection of Kumbhani’s candidacy.
Similarly, the nomination form of Suresh Padsala, Congress’ substitute candidate, faced invalidation due to similar issues, further diminishing the party’s presence in the electoral arena.
Congress Allegations and Reactions:
In response to these developments, the Congress leveled accusations against the ruling BJP, alleging foul play and intimidation tactics. Congress leader Babu Mangukiya claimed that Kumbhani’s proposers were coerced, urging a thorough investigation into the matter.
Expressing concern over the situation, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized the gravity of the ongoing election, stressing its significance in safeguarding democracy and upholding constitutional values.
With the Surat Lok Sabha seat secured by BJP’s Mukesh Dalal through a walkover victory, the political landscape in Gujarat undergoes a notable shift. As the electoral process unfolds, these developments set the stage for further political dynamics in the region.
