The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has opted out of the forthcoming Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat to focus on the upcoming local body elections, as per AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi. The BJP and Congress suggested that AAP’s decision was influenced by its previous poor performance in the constituency.
Scheduled for April 23, the Umreth by-election in Anand district, triggered by the demise of a BJP MLA, has reached the end of the nomination period without any AAP candidate entering the race.
Gadhvi emphasized that the party does not participate in elections merely for the sake of it. He stated that while preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections are underway, the current focus is on the local body polls, leading to the decision to skip the Umreth by-election. Dismissing criticism, Gadhvi asserted that AAP is not beholden to any party and urged the Congress to leverage the opportunity in Umreth.
On the other hand, the BJP has nominated Harshad Parmar, the late MLA’s son, for the Umreth by-election and expressed confidence in retaining the seat. Party spokesperson Anil Patel highlighted the candidate’s strong grassroots connections and public service experience.
Critiquing AAP, Patel pointed out the party’s minimal presence in the constituency and its meager 2% vote share in the previous election, resulting in the forfeiture of its deposit.
In a bid to challenge the BJP, the Congress has put forward Bhriguraj Singh Chauhan, a local leader with extensive experience in the panchayat system, for the by-election. The Congress spokesperson, Hemang Rawal, emphasized the party’s historical significance in Umreth and positioned itself as the primary contender against the BJP.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the by-election may not significantly shift the political landscape, especially with the BJP fielding the late MLA’s son, potentially evoking sympathy among voters. AAP’s limited presence in central Gujarat, highlighted by its underwhelming performance in Umreth in 2022, indicates the party’s strategic retreat to focus on strengthening its base for the upcoming 2027 Assembly polls.