Nilesh Kumbhani

Among the deafening victory chants of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Surat, a strong outrage has been launched by the opposition over the incidents leading to the unopposed contest. The party has now reached out to the election commission and even protested against Kumbhani.

The BJP filed a counter-application against Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani, which resulted in the cancellation of his nomination form on Apr 21.

After his rejection, eight other candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving Dalal as the sole remaining candidate for the seat and its imminent winner.

Over this row, the Congress has now reached out to the Election Commission, alleging that Dalal was declared the winner over undue influence.

Congress demands fresh elections be held in this constituency.

A delegation of Congress leaders met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election officials, urging the electoral process in Surat to be re-conducted.

A Congress spokesperson mentioned that four supporters nominated Kumbhani. However, without any prior intimation, all four of them filed affidavits stating false signatures. This could not be a coincidence, said the spokesperson.

They added that Kumbhani was missing for a few hours, and before they could locate him, all the other candidates withdrew their nominations, while Kumbhani’s form was rejected.

Outrage against Nilesh Kumbhani

Alongside the electoral setback, Nilesh Kumbhani has been facing strong opposition from his supporters as well.

It is noteworthy that Kumbhani’s supporters in the nomination process were his nephew and partner.

Some factions in the Congress party express suspicion over Kumbhani’s involvement in this fiasco.

Congress party workers were seen flocking to Kumbhani’s residence in Surat this morning, carrying placards and banners reading ‘Traitor of the People, Murderer of Democracy’.

The police have detained the protestors.

Is Nilesh Kumbhani joining BJP?

Amid all this, speculations have also been reportedly raised about Kumbhani switching to the BJP as early as the end of this week.

Also read:

BJP opens account as Surat Lok Sabha seat declared uncontested

Nomination verification: Congress faces setback in Surat, others approved