Congress Criticized EC Over By Elections Assembly in Gujarat

The Congress on Saturday criticized the Election Commission for announcing by-elections in only four of the seven vacant assembly seats in Gujarat. The party accused the commission of working under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On the other hand, the state BJP expressed confidence of retaining these four assembly seats. Earlier on Saturday, the Election Commission announced the date for the by-elections in Amaraiwadi, Kheralu, Lunavada and Tharad assembly seats of the state. Voting for these seats will be held on October 21 and votes will be counted on October 24.

State Congress President Amit Chavda said, 'The Election Commission was expected to announce by-elections for all seven seats in the state, but by-elections have been announced for only four seats. It is clear that the BJP put pressure on the commission.

He said, "Nevertheless, the Gujarat Congress is fully prepared for the by-election." Sources said that the Congress has started the process of selection of candidates for all seven seats. He told that 50 party leaders have expressed their desire to contest elections in these seven seats. State BJP President Jitu Vaghani said that his party is confident of winning all four seats. He said that those who have elected their MPs in the general elections will now elect their MLAs as well.