As Gujarat gears up for the local body elections set for April 26, a notable incident unfolded in Bhavnagar on Monday when Sejal Gohel, a former corporator from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), briefly joined the Congress party before returning to her original party within hours.
The 30-year-old Gohel, who served as a BJP corporator for Ward No. 3 in the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation from 2021 to 2026, expressed concerns for her safety within the BJP during her brief affiliation with Congress. In statements made to the media, she also highlighted issues related to the presence of bootleggers in the city.
After her swift return to the BJP, Gohel claimed that she had been misled by certain Congress leaders, a statement that was promptly refuted by the Congress party. In an interview with The Indian Express, Gohel, who has completed her Class XII education, stated, “I felt somewhat misled by some Congress leaders and made an error in judgment. I acted under their influence, but upon realizing my mistake, I rejoined the BJP.”
When questioned about the Congress leaders who she alleged had deceived her, Gohel stated that she could not recall their names. Manoharsinh Gohil, the president of the Bhavnagar City Congress, dismissed her allegations, asserting that Gohel had approached the Congress of her own accord. Gohil noted, “She had been in touch with us for the past 3-4 months. We did not reach out to her. She came to me yesterday with two of our ward leaders. I informed her that while she could join Congress, we could not guarantee her any commitments, including a party ticket.”
Gohil further emphasized that Gohel had cited safety concerns as her motivation for considering a switch to Congress. He added, “We have never influenced her statements to the media, nor did we contact her afterward. Any pressure she experienced is something only she can speak to.”
The upcoming elections will cover 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 zilla panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats across Gujarat, with results expected to be announced on April 28.
Parimal A. Dabhi serves as the Chief of Bureau for The Indian Express, focusing on the state of Gujarat. His extensive experience allows him to report on the intricate dynamics of law, politics, social justice, and governance in the region.
Dabhi is recognized as a leading authority in the realm of social justice and law, particularly regarding caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state’s response to various social movements involving Patidar, Dalit, and OBC communities. His investigative work covers a range of issues, including instances of violence against Dalits and the political ramifications of these events.
In addition to his social justice reporting, Dabhi monitors significant legal cases and rulings that have implications for Gujarat, including those related to the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act and developments in notable cases involving former police officials.
His political coverage includes direct reporting from the Gujarat Assembly, where he addresses key discussions, bills, and ministerial statements on pressing issues. Dabhi’s insights into electoral politics encompass analysis of voter turnout and significant changes within political parties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in Gujarat.
