One Man, Three Tickets: Gujarat Local Polls Throw Up Unprecedented Twist

Ahmedabad, April 14 (TNA) Amid the charged election atmosphere across four states and one Union Territory, a surprising development has surfaced from Gujarat’s Dahod district. In a highly unusual move, Bharat Singh Vakhala has filed nomination papers from three major political parties for the same Pipero Zila Panchayat seat.

Typically, a candidate contests on a single party ticket, but Vakhala’s name appears in nomination forms submitted by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party. The Pipero seat has long been considered a stronghold of Bachubhai Khabad, adding a political edge to the development.

Vakhala’s political journey has been fluid, he has previously contested on an AAP ticket, moved from Congress to AAP, and was later seen aligning closely with the BJP.

A total of 11 nomination forms have been submitted for the seat. Of these, five are from BJP, two from Congress, and one from AAP—all featuring Vakhala’s name. Additionally, there are two independent candidates and one from another party.

However, the final validity of his candidature hinges on the submission of “Form B,” the official party authorization. Election officials state that clarity will emerge by the 15th, the last date for withdrawal and submission of authorized documents. Polling is scheduled for April 26, with results to be declared on April 28.