Gujarat RS poll: Ahmed Patel set to win, strong contention from Amit Shah

New Delhi: Ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat on Tuesday, both the Congress and the BJP are claiming to have the numbers. There are three Rajya Sabha vacancies from Gujarat but there are four candidates in the fray — three from the BJP and one from the Congress.

From the BJP, party’s national president Amit Shah, Union minister Smriti Irani and former Congress MLA turned- BJP-leader Balwantsinh Rajput are in the race while political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, is the Congress candidate seeking a fifth term. As per the current strength of the Gujarat Assembly each candidate requires a minimum of 45 votes to win. With the BJP having 121 seats out of the 182 seats its two candidates Mr Shah and Ms Irani will win smoothly. But it is going to be a contest between Mr Patel and Mr Rajput.

Confident of winning, says Ahmed
The Congress had transported its 44 MLAs to the party ruled Karnataka fearing defections. Eight of the 57 MLAs of the Congress have resigned from the party this includes former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela and his son. Presently the MLAs are back in Gujarat and are in a resort in Anand. Congress candidate Ahmed Patel speaking to reporters in Anand said, “I am confident of winning the Rajya Sabha seat. All the MLAs are with me despite the BJP trying to break the MLAs.” He also added that “I have just got word that two NCP MLAs will also be voting for me.” Reports further suggest that the lone JD(U) legislator will be extending support to Mr. Patel.

Hitting back at the Congress the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, “BJP will win all the three seats and Ahmed Patel will definitely lose.”

The BJP president Mr Amit Shah is also in Gujarat and he also met leaders of the BJP in the state. Over the last one week the political drama has been unfolding in Gujarat.