Fewer Candidates Vie for Gujarat’s 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, Reflecting National Trend

Gandhinagar : As the battleground for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections intensifies, Gujarat witnesses a notable decrease in the number of candidates vying for parliamentary seats, signaling a departure from previous election cycles. With only 266 candidates in the fray across 26 constituencies, the electoral landscape in the state reflects a broader trend observed nationwide.

In a departure from previous election cycles, Gujarat gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls with a significantly reduced number of candidates competing for parliamentary seats. Compared to the 2019 elections, where 371 candidates contested across 26 constituencies, this year sees a notable decrease to 266 candidates, averaging approximately 10 candidates per seat.

The decline in the number of candidates vying for parliamentary seats in Gujarat is part of a larger national trend observed in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Across 10 states and two union territories slated for the third phase of polling on May 7, the average number of candidates per seat stands at 14, with a total of 1,352 candidates in contention for 95 seats.

Gujarat’s electoral dynamics also witness unique occurrences, such as Surat candidate Mukesh Dalal being declared the winner uncontested after his sole rival Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani’s candidature was rejected, with eight others withdrawing from the race.

The distribution of candidates across constituencies varies, with Bardoli recording the lowest number of contestants, comprising one candidate each from the BJP, Congress, and an independent candidate. Conversely, Ahmedabad (East) boasts the highest number of candidates with 18 contenders.

Key political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are facing varied levels of competition, with Shah contending against 13 others in the Gandhinagar constituency. Union Ministers Parshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandaviya are also encountering a diverse field of opponents, battling eight and 11 contenders respectively.

However, the electoral landscape in Gujarat is not devoid of challenges, with a notable percentage of candidates withdrawing their nominations across various constituencies. Analysis reveals a significant withdrawal rate, with constituencies such as Rajkot, Ahmedabad (West), and Mehsana witnessing withdrawal rates of 43%, 42%, and 41% respectively.

Furthermore, Gujarat ranks fourth in the country concerning the withdrawal of nomination papers, with nearly 10% of candidates opting out by the end of the third phase of the nomination process. Karnataka leads this statistic with 10.7% of candidates withdrawing their nominations, followed by Rajasthan and Maharashtra.