1. BJP clinches its first Lok Sabha election victory with Mukesh Dalal’s triumph in Gujarat’s Surat constituency.
2. All rivals withdraw from the race, with the rejection of the Congress candidate’s nomination form and eight others withdrawing.
3. The BJP raises concerns about discrepancies in the Congress candidate’s nomination form, leading to its rejection.
Surat, April 22: In the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secures its first victory as Mukesh Dalal emerges triumphant in Gujarat’s Surat constituency.
The BJP’s win comes as all competitors exit the race, with the Congress candidate’s form rejected, and eight others withdrawing their nominations.
Nilesh Kumbhani, the Congress nominee, faced disqualification after failing to present any of his three proposers to the election officer.
Allegations of signature discrepancies in Kumbhani’s nomination form prompted the BJP’s scrutiny, ultimately leading to the rejection of his candidacy.
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Suresh Padsala, Congress’ replacement candidate, also saw his nomination invalidated, effectively removing the party from contention in the city.
Returning Officer Sourabh Pardhi cited signature inconsistencies and questionable authenticity in the proposers’ affidavits as grounds for rejection.
Despite claims of foul play by the Congress, alleging coercion and abduction of Kumbhani’s proposers, the Returning Officer upheld the decision.
Congress leader Babu Mangukiya criticized the ruling BJP, urging a thorough investigation into the alleged coercion of proposers.
Mangukiya emphasized the importance of verifying signatures and ensuring due process before disqualifying candidates.
