BJP’s Surat candidate set to win unopposed as EC disqualifies Congress contender, 7 Independents pull out

In a remarkable turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to clinch victory in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency without facing any opposition. The cancellation of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani’s nomination, alongside the withdrawal of seven independent candidates, has paved the way for Mukesh Dalal of the BJP to be declared the Member of Parliament (MP) unopposed.

According to information, the candidature of the Congress candidate was cancelled over alleged discrepancies in the paperwork. However, the party said it is an attempt at “match fixing”.

The political landscape in Surat has undergone a seismic shift even before the commencement of the second phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat on May 7. The district election officer (DEO) took the unprecedented step of cancelling the nomination of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani, while seven independent candidates withdrew their nominations on Monday.

The concept of a candidate being declared elected unopposed in parliamentary or assembly elections is rare in India’s democratic framework. Yet, throughout the nation’s electoral history, sporadic instances of such occurrences have occurred, dating back to the inaugural general election in 1951.

Now, Surat adds another chapter to this narrative of electoral anomalies as Mukesh Dalal of the BJP stands poised to make history as the first MP elected unopposed from the constituency. With no contender in sight, Dalal’s ascension to the role of Member of Parliament is virtually assured.

A BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity to the media said, “The BJP has been able to get the seven independent candidates to withdraw their nominations, while one candidate remains. The party hopes to secure an unopposed scenario for its candidate Mukesh Dalal.”

The Election Commission of India, in its handbook for returning officers, outlines the protocol for “unopposed returns.” It stipulates that if there is only one contesting candidate in a constituency, they shall be declared duly elected immediately after the deadline for withdrawal of candidature. In such a scenario, the necessity for a poll is obviated, streamlining the electoral process.

The last instance of an uncontested Lok Sabha election victory dates back to 1989 when Mohammad Shafi Bhat emerged triumphant from Srinagar. Since then, the electoral landscape has been characterized by spirited contests and competitive democracy, making Surat’s forthcoming unopposed election victory a remarkable anomaly.

The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Surat, renowned for its vibrant diamond industry and bustling commercial hub, will now be etched in the annals of electoral history for its unique contribution to India’s democratic journey. As Mukesh Dalal prepares to assume office as the MP representing Surat, he does so against the backdrop of a political landscape forever altered by this unprecedented electoral outcome.