February 24, 2024: Mumtaz Patel, daughter of the late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, has voiced disappointment regarding the recent seat-sharing agreement between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Gujarat. The dissatisfaction primarily arises from the allocation of the Bharuch seat, a longstanding stronghold for the Congress, to the AAP.
The Congress and AAP have finalized a seat-sharing pact for various states, including Gujarat, with the aim of presenting a unified front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Expressing her discontent, Mumtaz Patel stated, “Deeply apologize to our district cadre for not being able to secure the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat in alliance. I share your disappointment.”
Additionally, she added, “Together, we will regroup to make Congress stronger. We won’t let Ahmed Patel’s 45 years of legacy go in vain. #bharuchkibeti (sic).”
The BJP has continuously held the Bharuch seat for seven terms, making it a pivotal battleground for opposition parties. Speculations had been circulating for months regarding the potential candidacy of either Faisal Patel or Mumtaz Patel, Ahmed Patel’s children, to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
The seat-sharing agreement has not only left Mumtaz Patel and the Congress’s district cadre disappointed but has also raised concerns within the party. As per the arrangement, AAP will now contest from Bharuch and Bhavnagar in Gujarat.
Negotiations over seat-sharing have posed a significant challenge for the opposition bloc, with regional parties vying for a larger share. The recent electoral setbacks in three heartland states have bolstered regional powers to assert their influence, further complicating the seat-sharing discussions.
