Surat Congress Candidate Nilesh Kumbhani ‘Missing’ Day After BJP Elected Unopposed in Lok Sabha Seat

The leader of Surat Congress, Nilesh Kumbhani, was reported missing from his home after his nomination as a Lok Sabha candidate was rejected over alleged discrepancies. Local media stated that he cannot be reached over the phone. The BJP’s Mukesh Dalal was declared the winner after all rival candidates withdrew from the contest, following which reports arose claiming that Mr. Kumbhani may join the BJP. Congress workers protested outside his locked house, concerned that he may join the BJP, using posters that read “janata ka gaddar (people’s traitor)”.

These events follow the BJP’s first Lok Sabha win in Surat, unopposed. In response, the Congress approached the Election Commission, alleging “wrong and undue influence” by the ruling BJP in Gujarat and demanding a restart of the poll process. The Congress spokesperson, Abhishek Singhvi, stated that they requested the Election Commission to postpone the election in Surat and redo the election shortly. They stressed the importance of sending a clear message that wrong undue influence cannot be taken advantage of.

Singhvi highlighted the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kumbhani’s missing status and the withdrawal of all other candidates, as well as the rejection of his nomination by the returning officer. The district election officer has requested Mr. Kumbhani’s reply within a day. The nomination of the Congress candidate was canceled by the District Election Officer after he and his proposers did not turn up to support his nomination form. On the last day of withdrawing nominations, eight candidates, including the BSP pick and Independents, withdrew their nominations, resulting in the BJP’s Mukesh Dalal being declared the winner.