The Congress is exploring the option of fielding party treasurer and senior leader Ahmed Patel from the Bharuch Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat. If he decides to take the plunge, he would be contesting a Lok Sabha election after 28 years.
The party’s Gujarat unit has requested that Mr. Patel, currently a member of the Rajya Sabha, contest this time. The veteran Congress leader had won from Bharuch thrice — in 1977, 1980 and 1984 — but lost to the BJP’s Chandubhai Deshmukh in 1991. Since then he has not contested the seat, even as the BJP has retained the seat thereafter.
“People want Patel to contest from Bharuch, because they believe this will help the Congress win the seat, and its positive impact will be felt on other seats in Gujarat as well,” State election in-charge Rajiv Satav said. The final call will be taken by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The last day to file nominations in Gujarat is April 4.
Congress State president Amit Chavda said Mr. Patel had been like a guide for local party workers. “Whether it is Bharuch, Gujarat, or the country, Ahmed bhai has been a popular leader among people cutting across caste, creed and religious lines. It is but natural that the party workers want him to contest from Bharuch.”
“It will be clear in the next two-three days whether he will contest from Bharuch, but we (local unit party workers) have requested him,” he said.
There was a talk between Congress and local powerful MLA Chhotubhai Vasava, who floated Bhartiya Tribal Party after parting ways with JD (U).
Bharuch Lok Sabha seat has sizeable population of tribals and Muslims. Congress can win the seat only if Chhotubhai Vasava supports it.
The Congress has so far announced candidates for 13 of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat. Polling will be held in a single phase in Gujarat on April 23. The BJP won all 26 Lok Sabha seats in 2014.
