Congress Shelters 44 Gandhinagar Candidates Ahead of Civic Poll Deadline
Congress has moved all 44 of its Gandhinagar civic poll candidates to an undisclosed location until the September 29 withdrawal deadline, alleging BJP coercion.
The Congress has moved all 44 of its candidates for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation polls to an undisclosed location, saying the step was needed to shield them from pressure ahead of the nomination withdrawal deadline.
Party leaders said the candidates will remain under close supervision until September 29, the last day for withdrawing nominations. The Congress has accused the ruling BJP of threatening its nominees, pressuring them and making coercive calls to their family members in an attempt to force withdrawals.
According to the party, relocating the candidates was necessary to protect them from political pressure and possible poaching attempts.
The BJP rejected the allegation and turned the charge around, asking why the Congress does not trust its own candidates and feels the need to keep them in protective custody.
All nomination papers filed by the BJP and the Congress for the 44 seats in the civic body have been declared valid. One nomination submitted by the Aam Aadmi Party was rejected.
The contest will take clearer shape after the withdrawal deadline on September 29. Voting is scheduled for October 11, with counting of votes on October 13.