Vav Bypoll: Political Clash in Banaskantha

The BJP and Congress have announced their candidates for the Vav assembly bypoll in Gujarat's Banaskantha district. Swaroopji Thakor represents the BJP, while Congress has fielded Gulabsinh Rajput. The bypoll, scheduled for November 13, follows the resignation of Congress MLA Geniben Thakor.

The political scene in Gujarat's Banaskantha district is heating up as both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress have announced their candidates for the upcoming bypoll for the Vav assembly seat. The bypoll, which is set for November 13, was necessitated by the resignation of former Congress MLA Geniben Thakor, who stepped down after securing a win in the Lok Sabha elections for Banaskantha.

On the final day for filing nominations, Congress put forward Gulabsinh Rajput, while the BJP nominated Swaroopji Thakor. Both candidates have now officially entered the race, confirmed election officials. The Vav seat has been a Congress stronghold for the last two terms, making this bypoll a significant contest for both parties.

In a notable show of support, Congress' ally in the INDIA bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has decided not to field a candidate, opting instead to back the Congress contender. The Election Commission announced that the votes will be counted on November 23. The political composition of the Gujarat assembly currently sees the ruling BJP with 161 seats, while Congress holds 12, the AAP has four, the Samajwadi Party has one, and there are two independents.

(With inputs from agencies.)