Before the Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat, the BJP secured victory in the Surat seat even before the voting commenced. Mukesh Dalal of the BJP was declared the winner unopposed, as the Election Officer canceled the nomination form of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani for the Surat Lok Sabha seat.
Consequently, the Congress Legal Cell filed an application for criminal action against Nilesh Kumbhani and his supporters. The cancellation of Nilesh Kumbhani's nomination form stemmed from alleged false signatures and misrepresentation by him and his supporters.
A false affidavit was also submitted, prompting the Congress Legal Cell to seek intervention from the Surat Police Commissioner for criminal action against Kumbhani and his associates.
In its application, the Congress Legal Cell cited several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, and 471, along with sections 171G, 34, 114, and 120 B. The severity of the allegations prompted the Congress to take decisive action against Kumbhani.
Earlier, Nilesh Kumbhani faced a six-year suspension following deliberations at a Congress disciplinary committee meeting. The party expressed disappointment in Kumbhani's actions, highlighting its expectation for him to represent the interests of the Patidar community in Surat.
However, Kumbhani's alleged negligence or collusion with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led to the cancellation of his nomination form. Despite being given the opportunity to defend himself before the Disciplinary Committee, Kumbhani failed to present his case or offer any explanation for his actions.
Consequently, the Congress took the decision to suspend him for six years, adhering to principles of natural justice and accountability within the party.
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