Why Did Shaktisinh Gohil Resign as Gujarat Congress Chief?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil resigns, taking responsibility for significant electoral defeats. This resignation raises critical questions about the party's future in the state, particularly in light of rising competition from the Aam Aadmi Party. What does this mean for the Congress in Gujarat?
Key Takeaways
- Shaktisinh Gohil resigned following the Congress party's defeats in Gujarat bypolls.
- The bypolls showed a significant shift in voter allegiance towards AAP and BJP.
- Gohil’s departure raises questions about the Congress party’s leadership strategy.
- AAP's victory in Visavadar marks a potential turning point in Gujarat politics.
- Congress must reevaluate its approach to regain political influence in the region.
Ahmedabad, June 23 (NationPress) The president of the Gujarat Congress, Shaktisinh Gohil, has resigned from his role as the state unit leader of the historic party, taking moral accountability for the party's losses in the Gujarat by-elections held in Kadi and Visavadar.
While addressing the media in Ahmedabad, Gohil revealed that he had submitted his resignation to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.
“The results of the bypolls fell short of our expectations. As the state president, I take full moral responsibility for this result and have sent my resignation to the party's leadership,” he stated.
A seasoned leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Gohil was appointed as the Gujarat Congress president in June 2023, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.
Unfortunately, his time in office did not bring about a significant electoral revival for the party in a region where it once thrived. His resignation was catalyzed by the dual defeats in the by-elections for Visavadar and Kadi, where Congress candidates performed dismally.
In Visavadar, a constituency traditionally linked with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia triumphed over BJP's Kirit Patel by a substantial margin of 17,554 votes. The Congress candidate secured a distant third place, indicating a significant loss of grassroots support in the area.
In Kadi (SC-reserved), BJP's Rajendra Chavda achieved a commanding victory, defeating former Congress MLA Ramesh Chavda by an astonishing 39,452 votes.
Rajendra garnered 99,742 votes, while the Congress contender could only manage 60,290, failing to pose any serious challenge in a seat previously deemed competitive.
These results highlight a broader trend of Congress losing political influence, first to the BJP and now increasingly to AAP in certain regions of Gujarat.
Gopal Italia's victory in Visavadar is particularly seen as a pivotal moment, showcasing AAP’s rising significance and Congress’s organizational decline in Saurashtra.
Gohil’s resignation, though anticipated, prompts larger questions regarding the party’s future in Gujarat.
Point of View
I believe Shaktisinh Gohil's resignation reflects a significant moment for the Congress party in Gujarat. The defeats in Kadi and Visavadar highlight the party's challenges in regaining its foothold amidst rising competition from AAP and the BJP. This situation warrants serious introspection and strategic reevaluation for Congress if it hopes to remain relevant in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shaktisinh Gohil resign?
Shaktisinh Gohil resigned to take moral responsibility for the Congress party's poor performance in the recent Gujarat bypolls.
What were the outcomes of the bypolls in Kadi and Visavadar?
In Visavadar, AAP's Gopal Italia won by over 17,000 votes, while in Kadi, BJP's Rajendra Chavda defeated the Congress candidate by nearly 40,000 votes.
What does Gohil's resignation mean for the Congress party?
Gohil's resignation raises critical questions about the Congress party's leadership and future direction in Gujarat, especially in light of AAP's rising influence.
