In 18 wards, parties may change gameplan in Gujarat

The state election commission's decision to change reservations in 18 wards of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) may result in changing the game plan of political parties. The commission on Monday issued final delimitation notification for AMC election.

In Ranip ward, the state election commission has changed the reservation. Earlier, out of three seats in Ranip ward, one seat for women candidate was reserved for backward class, while one seat for male candidate was reserved for scheduled caste and the remaining one was for general category. Now, the seat for women will be reserved for scheduled caste candidate, while remaining two will be for general category candidates.

Moreover, one seat for male candidate in Saijpur-Bogha ward was declared reserved for scheduled caste candidate. However, the commission has removed reservation as it was repeated. As a result, general category candidates will be able to contest from all three seats in the ward.

In addition, the poll panel has introduced reservation for scheduled caste candidate on one of the two seats (male candidates) in Khokhra ward, which was earlier for open category candidate.

The commission has interchanged reservation in as many as 14 wards such as Naroda, Chandkheda-Motera, Ghatlodiya, Noblenagar, Vejalpur and Dariapur. It should be noted that now deputy mayor Kalpnaben Bhatt would be able to contest from her present constituency Naroda ward. Earlier, the seat for women candidate was declared reserved for backward class candidate.
The Congress, however, is not happy as the commission has not taken into consideration the suggestions and objections submitted by it.

"The commission has not taken into consideration the suggestions regarding not following rules regarding major roads, highway, railway, etc," said Surendra Baxi, leader of opposition in AMC. He also said that the Congress may move the high court.

Moreover, the state election commission also approved additional 2.24% and 1.15% population in Ranip and Sarkhej wards respectively.