Delayed by alliance talks, disputes, Congress first list likely tomorrow

With the last date for filing of nominations for the first phase coming up on November 21, party leaders said the first candidates’ list is expected to be announced over the weekend.

gujarat, gujarat assembly elections, gujarat assembly elections 2017, assembly elections 2017

Talks on, list likely over weekend: Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki (left) and party’s Gujarat
in-charge Ashok Gehlot. Express

THE CENTRAL election committee of the Congress met for the second time in a week on Friday but the party is struggling to finalise its candidates for the Gujarat Assembly elections. With the last date for filing of nominations for the first phase coming up on November 21, party leaders said the first candidates’ list is expected to be announced over the weekend.

The Congress is yet to arrive at a seat-sharing understanding with the NCP and the rebel faction of JD(U) led by MLA Chhotu Vasava in Gujarat. Besides, the party is yet to clinch a deal with the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) for fielding mutually acceptable candidates.

Congress general secretary in charge of Gujarat Ashok Gehlot told The Indian Express that talks are still on with the NCP and the JD(U) faction. While the Congress officially claims PAAS has not sought any tickets, sources said talks are on with the outfit for fielding mutually acceptable candidates, including some PAAS leaders, in about 25 seats. Representatives of PAAS had been holding meetings with Gehlot. Sources said disputes arose because some alliance parties and pressure groups are demanding the same seats.

Congress’s Gujarat unit president Bharatsinh Solanki, who is camping in Delhi with other senior leaders and holding meetings with leaders of alliance partners, said the first list will be released on Sunday. Sources said Chhotu Vasava met Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel, Gehlot and Solanki to reach an understanding on seat-sharing. Vasava, sources said, is pitching for eight seats in south Gujarat districts of Bharuch, Narmada, Tapi, Surat, besides a seat in Chhota Udepur district in central Gujarat.

NCP’s Praful Patel and the party’s state president Jayant Patel met senior Congress leaders and demanded 16 seats. But Congress leaders are said to have told them that the NCP will not be allotted more than two seats. The NCP was given five seats in 2012 elections, with Jayant Patel and Kandhal Jadeja emerging winners.

The Congress’s relations with the NCP got strained after Jadeja voted for BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections in August this year. According to sources, discussions with PAAS leaders seeking Congress tickets for their representatives were more or less completed. Congress sources said that PAAS is seeking Congress tickets for Kirit Patel from Patan, Dilip Sabva from Botad and Manoj Panara from Morbi, besides some more seats for its representatives in Ahmedabad other places.

Sources said that OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who joined the Congress on October 23, was also called to Delhi to hold discussions about tickets to his supporters.

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More