In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured its first victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unopposed, stirring controversy over the nomination process and party politics in Surat. The rejection of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani’s nomination papers due to alleged discrepancies has brought to light the crucial role of a proposer and ignited a flurry of accusations and protests.
The rejection of Kumbhani’s nomination papers, along with those of his substitute candidate, Suresh Padsala, stemmed from discrepancies in the verification of signatures of their proposers. This development cleared the field for the BJP as eight other candidates withdrew from the fray, marking a rare unopposed win for the party.
According to Election Commission (EC) rules, a proposer must be a registered elector of the relevant constituency and endorse a candidate’s nomination. The proposer’s signature, along with that of the candidate, is essential for the validity of nomination papers. While a recognized party candidate requires one proposer, an independent or candidate from an unrecognized party needs ten.
Kumbhani’s case revealed intricate maneuvers in the nomination process. He filed three nomination forms with different proposers, seemingly as a precautionary measure. However, discrepancies in the signatures of all four proposers led to the rejection of his papers. The subsequent disappearance of Kumbhani and his proposers has added fuel to the controversy.
Surat’s Party Politics
The Congress’ reaction to Kumbhani’s disqualification underscores the internal strife within the party. Local leaders express frustration over leadership decisions and the lack of diligence in candidate selection. Allegations of a “fixed match” and accusations of betrayal against Kumbhani further deepen the political rifts.
In response to the unfolding events, the Congress has approached the Election Commission, seeking intervention and restoration of Kumbhani’s candidature. Meanwhile, demands for criminal action against Kumbhani for alleged forgery have emerged, with calls for his expulsion from the party.
The unopposed victory of BJP in Surat has brought the nomination process and party dynamics under scrutiny. The incident highlights the significance of proposers in the electoral process and exposes the underlying tensions within political parties. As the controversy unfolds, it underscores the need for transparency and integrity in the democratic process.
