Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Becomes Congress-Free as Two Councilors Switch Allegiance to BJP

Congress councilors of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation had been in communication with BJP leaders, and the decision to switch allegiance was finalized after a meeting with Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil

By TBT Web Desk On Mar 28, 2024

Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation Becomes Congress-Free as Two Councilors Switch Allegiance to BJP — Congress councillors from Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation with their resignation letters

Gandhinagar : Finally, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) has witnessed a significant political shift with the resignation of its two lone Congress councilors—Ankit Barot and Gajendrasinh Vaghela—on Thursday. This move marks the culmination of a gradual transition as the Congress, which once held sway in the region, relinquishes its last foothold in the municipal body.

The two Congress councilors, Barot and Vaghela, are poised to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Shri Kamalam in the presence of Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil on Friday, solidifying the BJP’s dominance within the GMC.

Currently, the GMC comprises a total of 44 councilors, with an overwhelming majority of 41 councilors hailing from the ruling BJP. The departure of the two Congress representatives leaves only one councilor representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) within the municipal body. Notably, wards 2 and 3 were previously held by Congress councilors—Gajendrasinh Vaghela and Ankit Barot.

Sources reveal that the Congress councilors had been in communication with BJP leaders, and the decision to switch allegiance was finalized after a meeting with Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil at his residence in Gandhinagar.

Reflecting on the political landscape of Gandhinagar, historical patterns emerge. The GMC, established as a municipal corporation in 2011, initially saw the Congress emerge victorious in the elections with 18 seats out of 33, while the BJP secured 15 seats. However, the Congress’s hold on power was short-lived, as defections to the BJP ensued. In 2012, three Congress councilors switched sides, paving the way for BJP’s ascendancy in the local body.

Traditionally, Gandhinagar, as the state capital, has been considered a Congress stronghold, whether in district panchayat bodies or municipal corporations. However, the BJP has consistently demonstrated resilience, often leveraging defections to bolster its position and retain power.

The departure of the two Congress councilors signifies not only a numerical shift in the composition of the GMC but also underscores the evolving political dynamics within Gandhinagar. With the BJP consolidating its dominance, the municipal corporation is poised for a new chapter, characterized by BJP’s unwavering influence and the Congress’s diminishing presence.