Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly criticized the BJP for winning a seat unopposed in Surat, comparing it to the Russian style of democracy. She highlighted the lack of challengers to President Vladimir Putin in Russia and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is adopting a similar model, undermining democracy.
Chaturvedi stated that the Congress party’s main candidate in Surat was rejected, the substitute candidate was also rejected, and all independent candidates withdrew their forms, raising concerns about the fundamental principles of democracy. She pointed out that in Russia, opposition voices are often stifled, with dissenters facing imprisonment or worse, and alleged that Modi is attempting to replicate this model.
The Election Commission cancelled the nomination papers of the Congress candidate, Nilesh Kumbhani, over alleged fake signatures. Consequently, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed from the Surat Lok Sabha constituency after all other candidates, including independents and smaller parties, withdrew their nominations on the last day.
The Lok Sabha election in Gujarat will be held on May 7 for 26 seats, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
