Gujarat: AAP, Cong reach seat-sharing deal; Ahmed Patel's son misses out on Bharuch

The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have announced a seat-sharing agreement for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with AAP receiving the Bharuch seat in Gujarat. This decision has caused controversy, especially among members associated with the Bharuch constituency, sparking debates and concerns within the Congress party.

Congress General Secretary, Mukul Wasnik, revealed the agreement stating, “Gujarat has 26 Lok Sabha seats. Congress will contest on 24, leaving Bharuch and Bhavnagar for AAP.” The move is part of efforts to consolidate opposition unity and challenge the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

The decision to give the Bharuch seat to AAP has raised concerns among some members, including Faisal Patel, son of the late Ahmed Patel. Faisal Patel expressed discontent with the reallocation, citing the emotional and political significance of the seat to his family and the Congress party. He warned against ceding Bharuch to AAP, fearing negative impacts similar to Delhi and Punjab.

Bharuch has been a stronghold for the BJP since 1989, with Mansukh Vasava securing it for the party in six consecutive terms. AAP’s recent win in Dediapada during the 2022 Gujarat polls has also played a role in the discussions around seat-sharing. However, concerns about diluting Congress’s traditional support base and jeopardizing its chances of reclaiming the seat have led to calls for a reconsideration of the agreement.

As the Congress-AAP alliance navigates these internal disputes, the outcome of their deliberations on the Bharuch seat remains a focal point of interest in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections. The controversy surrounding the seat-sharing agreement highlights the complexities and challenges faced by opposition parties in uniting against the ruling party.

–IANS
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