Gandhinagar civic polls: Parties finalize candidates as nominations close

Political parties in Gandhinagar have finalized their candidate lists for the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections following the September 26 deadline for filing nominations. The 44-seat civic body, spanning 11 wards, will see a contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The BJP has announced candidates for all 44 seats, including former Congress corporator Ankit Barot. In the previous 2021 elections, the BJP secured 41 of the 44 seats, while Congress won two and AAP won one. The Congress has also completed its candidate list, and AAP reported that 41 of its candidates filed nominations, emphasizing a roster of professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers.

Following the nomination deadline, the scrutiny of papers is scheduled for September 28, with the final date for withdrawal set for September 29. Polling is slated for October 11, with the results expected on October 13. The State Election Commission has confirmed that electronic voting machines will be used and that police arrangements will be made to ensure free voting.