Nilesh Kumbhani, Surat Lok Sabha Seat: Surat’s Congress Candidate ‘Missing’ Day After BJP Pick Elected Unopposed

Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani, whose nomination as a Lok Sabha candidate was rejected due to alleged discrepancies, is reportedly missing and cannot be reached over the phone. This follows the BJP’s candidate Mukesh Dalal being declared the winner after rival candidates withdrew from the contest, resulting in the BJP’s first Lok Sabha win in Surat, unopposed. Amid rumors of Mr. Kumbhani possibly joining the BJP, Congress workers protested outside his locked house, denouncing him as a “people’s traitor.”

Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil praised their candidate’s victory and congratulated Mukesh Dalal on social media. The Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing the ruling BJP of exerting “wrong and undue influence” and calling for a restart of the election process in Surat. Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi emphasized the need to send a clear message that taking advantage of such influence is unacceptable.

He also expressed concern over the timing of Mr. Kumbhani’s disappearance coinciding with the withdrawal of other candidates, as well as the rejection of his nomination by the returning officer. The district election officer has requested a reply from Mr. Kumbhani within a day. On April 21, the Congress candidate’s nomination was canceled after he and his proposers failed to appear to support his nomination form.

On April 22, on the last day for withdrawing nominations, eight candidates, including the BSP pick and Independents, withdrew their nominations, resulting in Mukesh Dalal being declared the winner for the BJP.