Gandhinagar/Anand, April 4 (IANS) Three candidates filed six nomination papers on Saturday for the by-election to Gujarat’s Umreth Assembly constituency, as the electoral process gathered pace ahead of polling on April 23.
According to election authorities, nominations were submitted on April 4, following the March 30 notification.
The candidates who filed papers include Maulikkumar Shah of the Bharatiya Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates Harshad Parmar and Vimalkumar Patel.
Officials confirmed that a total of six nomination papers were filed by the three candidates during the day.
“The nomination process is progressing as per the schedule notified by the Election Commission, and all procedures are being followed,” an official statement said.
Authorities stated that interest in the by-election remains notable, with 42 nomination forms already collected by 17 prospective candidates.
As per Election Commission guidelines, candidates must submit an affidavit in Form-26 along with their nomination papers.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of sitting BJP MLA Govind Parmar on March 6, which left the seat vacant.
Polling will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs) across more than 300 booths, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Earlier in the day, BJP candidate Harshad Parmar filed his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior party leaders, reflecting the party’s effort to consolidate support in the constituency.
Parmar, the son of the late MLA and currently a sarpanch, has been fielded by the BJP to retain the seat, banking on his grassroots experience and local connections.
Party leaders expressed confidence in his candidature, citing both organisational backing and continuity of leadership in the constituency.
On the other hand, the Congress has fielded Bhrugurajsinh Chauhan as its candidate for the seat.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is yet to announce its candidate for the upcoming by-election.
–IANS
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