The Free Press Journal

Cong suspends Kumbhani

The decision was made by the GPCC commitee led by Balubhai Patel The letter of suspension, while expressing disappoint­ment, also highlights the gravity of the situation, accusing Kumbhani of either negligence or collusion with the BJP in his nomination ca

- MELVYN THOMAS /

The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has suspended Nilesh Kumbhani, the Congress candidate, from the Surat Lok Sabha seat for six years. The decision, made by the disciplina­ry committee of the GPCC, led by member Balubhai Patel, follows an extended deliberati­on at the state Congress)Committee's disciplina­ry meeting over Kumbhani’s)escape and his collusion with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The suspension order, issued on Friday, marks a dramatic turn of events for Kumbhani, who had)been entrusted)with)the responsibi­lity of)representi­ng the diverse interests of the Surat people, particular­ly the Patidars of Saurashtra. The letter of suspension, while expressing disappoint­ment, also highlights the gravity of the situation, accusing Kumbhani of either negligence or collusion with the BJP in his nomination cancellati­on.

The) GPCC's) disciplina­ry committee, adhering to the principles of natural justice, allowed Kumbhani to present his case. However, his conspicuou­s absence and lack of communicat­ion compelled the committee to take decisive action, resulting in his six-year suspension from the party ranks.

The letter further condemned the alleged machinatio­ns of the BJP, accusing the party of underminin­g democracy by manipulati­ng the electoral process through coercion and intimidati­on tactics.

The incident, which unfolded in Surat, is depicted as a gross violation of the sacred right to vote, causing disillusio­nment among voters, particular­ly first-time voters eagerly anticipati­ng their participat­ion in the democratic process.

The aftermath of)Kumbhani's) suspension has sparked widespread outrage among the electorate and Congress supporters.

Social media platforms are inundated with)expression­s of)anger and frustratio­n towards Kumbhani, reflecting the disappoint­ment and betrayal felt by the constituen­ts of Surat.

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