Nimu Bambhaniya has won by more than 4,55 lakh votes against Umesh Makwana of AAP in Bhavnagar.

Bhavnagar seat was important because it was one of the two constituencies in Gujarat where AAP competed with the BJP. It registered a dim 52.01% polling on May 7.

The BJP named Nimu Bambhaniya, a local leader and former mayor of Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation as its candidate. Bambhania, who also serves as the BJP prabhari for Junagadh, has a strong following in the region, particularly among the Koli community.

On the opposition front, the AAP fielded Umesh Makwana, the current MLA from Botad.

Makwana, known for his philanthropic efforts, including distributing over six lakh food packets during the COVID-19 lockdown, added a dynamic edge to the race.

During a visit to Gujarat, Makwana’s campaign received a boost from Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

Bhavnagar is also a constituency where the Kshatriya community showed their resentment against senior BJP leader Parshottam Rupala.

Dynamics of Bhavnagar Lok Sabha constituency

Bhavnagar, a key district in the southeastern Kathiawar and Saurashtra region, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1743 by Maharaja Bhavsinhji.

Historically, the Bhavnagar seat has seen varied political winds. Since 1991, the Bhavnagar Lok Sabha seat has remained a stronghold of the BJP.

The constituency encompasses seven Assembly segments: Talaja, Palitana, Bhavnagar Rural, Bhavnagar East, Bhavnagar West, the SC-reserved seat of Gadhada, and Botad.

In the most recent 2019 elections, Bharati Shiyal of the BJP won with a substantial majority.

Bhavnagar has approximately 17.68 lakh eligible voters, with the Koli caste playing a pivotal role in determining the electoral outcomes.

(With inputs from Syndicated feed)