Of the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, the electoral battle in Gandhinagar, where Union Minister Amit Shah is vying to retain his seat, promises to be among the most closely observed contests in the upcoming elections.
Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat are scheduled to be held in a single phase on May 7, with vote counting set for June 4.
Here are some of the Lok Sabha seats to keep an eye on in Gujarat:
- Gandhinagar: This urban constituency has long been a stronghold of the BJP, previously represented by stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani. Currently held by Amit Shah, who secured victory in the 2019 polls with a margin of 5.57 lakh votes over Congress’ C.J. Chavda.
- Porbandar: Dominated by the BJP, especially due to the significant presence of Leuva Patidars, a sub-caste of the influential Patel community. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, a Leuva Patidar, is the BJP’s candidate here.
- Rajkot: A BJP stronghold since 1989, with exceptions like Congress’ Kunvarji Bavalia’s victory in 2009. Parshottam Rupala, a Union Minister and close aide of Modi, is the BJP candidate.
- Surat: Known as the world’s diamond polishing hub, Surat has been a BJP stronghold since 1989. Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles Darshana Jardosh is the incumbent MP.
- Bharuch: A predominantly tribal constituency witnessing a contest between the Congress-Aam Aadmi Party alliance and the BJP. Congress has ceded this seat to AAP, fielding Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava against BJP’s Mansukh Vasava, who has held the seat since 1999.
These constituencies hold significant political importance and will be closely watched during the upcoming elections in Gujarat.
