Congress declares final list, supports Jignesh Mevani in Vadgam

GANDHINAGAR: BJP and Congress released the final list of candidates on Monday for the Gujarat polls, just ahead of the deadline for filing nominations. BJP’s sixth list has ended speculation on former CM Anandiben Patel or her daughter Anar Patel contesting the Ghatlodia constituency in Ahmedabad. The seat has been given to Bhupendra Patel, a confidant of the ex-CM. It also ended speculation on CM Vijay Rupani contesting from a safe seat in Vadodara.

Ex-Gujarat health minister and senior BJP leader JN Vyas has been fielded in Siddhpur. Vyas had lost to Congress Balwantsinh Rajput in 2012.

Rajput had switched loyalty to BJP just before the Rajya Sabha elections early this year and BJP had fielded him as its third candidate in its attempt to defeat Congress leader Ahmed Patel. Senior BJP leader Gordhan Zadaphia too has not been given a ticket.

Congress had declared its candidate list for the second phase on Sunday night. The party fielded Alpesh Thakor in Radhanpur in North Gujarat and left Vadgam vacant, where Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani has filed nominations as an independent.

The party fielded Chandan Thakor in Siddhpur, which led to protests from the minority community and the Thakor Sena. Jignesh too faced protests from local Congress supporters who were less than happy in accepting an ‘outsider’ as their candidate.