Home > Topics > Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017

Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017

Gujarat Assembly elections 2017 dates have been announced and voting will be held in two phases. While 89 seats in 19 districts will vote on December 9, the remaining 93 seats in 14 districts will vote on December 14. The counting of votes for all the 182 Assembly seats will take place on December 18. The term of the 13th Assembly ends on January 22, 2018 and the 14th Assembly has to be constituted by then. The 13th Gujarat Assembly has 120 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, 43 are from the Congress, four belong to other parties/independents while the remaining 15 seats are vacant.

The total number of voters in the state is 4.33 crore out of which 2.11 crore are in phase one for which voting will take place on December 9 while 2.21 crore can exercise their franchise in the second phase on December 14. There will be 50,128 polling stations in the state and central forces will be used to provide security and environment for free and fair conduct of the elections. The announcement for the Gujarat Assembly elections 2017 were made by Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti on October 25.

Joti added that Rs 28 lakh is the limit for electoral expense per candidate and all those contesting will have to open a separate bank account for poll expenses. Every candidate will have to fill all the columns in the affidavit while filing his/her nomination. According to Joti the Election Commission will issue a notice to candidates who leave any column blank. He added that the candidature of an aspirant may be cancelled if the notice is ignored and the Election Commission does not receive any reply within the stipulated period. Public can use Suvidha app to lodge complaints related to elections With the announcement of the electoral process, the model code of conduct has come into force in the state and on the central government.

Gujarat has 20% voters belonging to the upper caste, Patels or Patidars constitute 16%, other backward castes are 32%, tribals 22% while Muslims are 10%. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured a massive 61.1% of the votes in Gujarat while the Congress could claim only 33.5%. Smaller parties and independents bagged the remaining 5.4%. However, the BJP's vote share in the 2012 Assembly elections was 47.9 per cent. The Congress had managed to secure 38.9% of the votes. The figures were almost similar in the 2007 Assembly elections when the BJP got 49.12% of the votes and the Congress had 39.63%.

Gujarat Assembly elections are usually a two-party contest. The BJP and Congress are the main rivals with the former in power in the state since 1995. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also trying its luck in the state for the first time. While BJP has been the dominant party in the state for over two decades, the state has witnessed a lot of upheaval in the last couple of years. The agitation by Patidars led by a young Hardik Patel and Dalits following the thrashing of four men from their community on allegation of cow slaughter has seen a lot of churning in state politics with the BJP forced to even change its chief minister.

Anandiben Patel was given the charge after Narendra Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat since October 2001, took over as the Prime Minister of India in May 2016. Following allegations of poor governance and violence during the Patidar agitation, Anandiben was removed and Vijay Rupani took over as the Chief Minister in August 2016. Narendra Modi has been the longest serving chief minister of Gujarat. He occupied the chair for 4,610 days and under his leadership the BJP won three consecutive Assembly elections - 2002, 2007 and 2012. The first Gujarat Assembly elections were held in 1962.

BJP and Congress have been involved in an ugly war-of-words in the run-up to the elections. Both parties have accused each other of playing dirty politics. Both the outfits have been lobbying hard with Patidar leaders and trying to join their parties. Patidars are extremely influential, and dominate the politics and economy of the state. In July 2015, community under the leadership of Hardik Patel started demanding Other Backward Class (OBC) status. The community held massive protests, many of them violent, under the banner of Gujarat Sardar Patel Sevadal and Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

With the violence spiraling out of control and showing no signs of abating, the then chief minister Anandiben Patel announced a scheme to lure the Patidars. Under the scheme the state government offered scholarships and subsidies along with 10% reservation for economically backward classes. But the Gujarat High Court quashed the 10% reservation in August 2016.

Gujarat: 'Upset' Deputy CM Nitin Patel Takes Charge After a Brief Phone Call From Amit Shah
India.com News Desk | December 31, 2017 11:34 PM IST
Ahmedabad, December 31: In the newly-formed Gujarat government a major crisis averted on Sunday
Gujarat: 'Upset' Deputy CM Nitin Patel Takes Charge After a Brief Phone Call From Amit Shah
indiacom
2017-12-31T12:34:11+00:00
2017-12-31T12:46:00+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Seaplanes to Link Small Towns Before 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Government Speeds up Commercial Operations
India.com News Desk | December 28, 2017 6:53 AM IST
This has come barely a few weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi boarded a seaplane from
Seaplanes to Link Small Towns Before 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Government Speeds up Commercial Operations
indiacom
2017-12-27T19:53:47+00:00
2017-12-27T19:57:42+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Vijay Rupani Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat
India.com News Desk | December 26, 2017 11:37 AM IST
Along with Vijay Rupani, his deputy Nitin Patel, 8 Cabinet ministers and 10 Minister of State also
Vijay Rupani Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat
indiacom
2017-12-26T00:37:05+00:00
2017-12-26T02:08:55+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Vijay Rupani to Take Oath as Gujarat CM Today; PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to Attend
India.com News Desk | December 26, 2017 6:55 AM IST
Several union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Ravishankar Prasad are also
Vijay Rupani to Take Oath as Gujarat CM Today; PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to Attend
indiacom
2017-12-25T19:55:42+00:00
2017-12-26T00:10:24+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
BJP MP Chintamani Malviya Likens Jignesh Mevani to Cockroach, Says Rahul Gandhi Directed Dalit Leader to Make Remarks on Modi
India.com News Desk | December 22, 2017 6:13 PM IST
Malviya said that his post might seem like a strong message to his followers, but in front of the
BJP MP Chintamani Malviya Likens Jignesh Mevani to Cockroach, Says Rahul Gandhi Directed Dalit Leader to Make
indiacom
2017-12-22T07:13:42+00:00
2017-12-22T07:20:42+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Rahul Gandhi to Discuss Gujarat Assembly Election Results With Party Leaders
India.com News Desk | December 22, 2017 12:25 PM IST
The three-day camp started on December 21 in Mehsana district. However, the third and final day
Rahul Gandhi to Discuss Gujarat Assembly Election Results With Party Leaders
indiacom
2017-12-22T01:25:50+00:00
2017-12-22T01:25:50+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Balasinor, Lunavada, Santrampur (ST) Election 2017 Results: Counting For Vidhan Sabha Seats in Gujarat
India.com News Desk | December 18, 2017 7:55 AM IST
Of the total 182 assembly segments in the state, 89 seats went to poll in the first phase on
Balasinor, Lunavada, Santrampur (ST) Election 2017 Results: Counting For Vidhan Sabha Seats in Gujarat
indiacom
2017-12-17T20:55:38+00:00
2017-12-21T21:49:07+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Rahul Gandhi to Chair Congress Working Committee Meet Today, 2G Verdict Likely to be Discussed
India.com News Desk | December 22, 2017 12:05 AM IST
The meeting comes just a few days after the Congress won 80 seats in the 182-member Assembly and
Rahul Gandhi to Chair Congress Working Committee Meet Today, 2G Verdict Likely to be Discussed
indiacom
2017-12-21T13:05:39+00:00
2017-12-21T21:16:39+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Truck Carrying EVMs Overturns in Bharuch District of Gujarat
Press Trust of India | December 21, 2017 11:07 PM IST
These units hadn't been used during the recently-concluded Assembly elections.
Truck Carrying EVMs Overturns in Bharuch District of Gujarat
indiacom
2017-12-21T12:07:58+00:00
2017-12-21T12:09:41+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 Results: Rahul Gandhi to Attend Congress Review Meeting in Ahmedabad
India.com News Desk | December 20, 2017 6:26 AM IST
Along with the party president, other senior Congress leaders are also expected to attend the
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 Results: Rahul Gandhi to Attend Congress Review Meeting in Ahmedabad
indiacom
2017-12-19T19:26:08+00:00
2017-12-19T23:07:09+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017: 47 Newly-elected MLAs Face Criminal Cases, Says Study
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 11:33 PM IST
According to the study, 81 MLAs were re-elected this time and the average growth in their assets
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017: 47 Newly-elected MLAs Face Criminal Cases, Says Study
indiacom
2017-12-19T12:33:15+00:00
2017-12-19T12:33:15+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: Bookies Bet on Vijay Rupani, Nitin Patel in CM Race
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 6:44 PM IST
Bookies are also betting on a new face to be replace Rupani as Gujarat CM. While Rupani's betting
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: Bookies Bet on Vijay Rupani, Nitin Patel in CM Race
indiacom
2017-12-19T07:44:56+00:00
2017-12-19T07:44:56+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Results: Congress Releases List of Seats Where BJP's Winning Margin is Less Than 3000 Votes
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 2:56 PM IST
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday barely held on to power in Gujarat as it just managed to edge
Gujarat Results: Congress Releases List of Seats Where BJP's Winning Margin is Less Than 3000 Votes
indiacom
2017-12-19T03:56:39+00:00
2017-12-19T04:56:40+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: After Victory, Another Challenge For BJP in Gujarat - Naming The CM
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 1:07 PM IST
Soon after final seats tally was declared on Thursday evening, the BJP appointed senior leaders
Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: After Victory, Another Challenge For BJP in Gujarat - Naming The CM
indiacom
2017-12-19T02:07:14+00:00
2017-12-19T03:37:17+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Rahul Gandhi Says Gujarat Results Have Put a Question Mark on Narendra Modi's Credibility
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 1:15 PM IST
Soon after final seats tally was declared on Thursday evening, the BJP appointed senior leaders
Rahul Gandhi Says Gujarat Results Have Put a Question Mark on Narendra Modi's Credibility
indiacom
2017-12-19T02:15:23+00:00
2017-12-19T02:52:22+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat And Himachal Results: BJP to Send Teams of Observers to Decide Chief Ministers For The States
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 11:55 AM IST
In Gujarat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who won from Rajkot West, might be renamed as Chief
Gujarat And Himachal Results: BJP to Send Teams of Observers to Decide Chief Ministers For The States
indiacom
2017-12-19T00:55:34+00:00
2017-12-19T01:10:03+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Country is Ready For Change in 2019 LS Elections, Says Jignesh Mevani After His Victory in Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 6:44 AM IST
Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch convener Jignesh Mevani won from Gujarat's Vadgam seat, defeating
Country is Ready For Change in 2019 LS Elections, Says Jignesh Mevani After His Victory in Gujarat Assembly E
indiacom
2017-12-18T19:44:24+00:00
2017-12-18T23:30:45+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
List of Congress MLAs Elected to Gujarat Assembly: Names of All Winning Candidates in Gujarat Elections 2017
India.com News Desk | December 18, 2017 8:41 AM IST
Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch convener Jignesh Mevani won from Gujarat's Vadgam seat, defeating
List of Congress MLAs Elected to Gujarat Assembly: Names of All Winning Candidates in Gujarat Elections 2017
indiacom
2017-12-17T21:41:33+00:00
2017-12-18T23:27:51+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Election Results: Most Congress Turncoats Fail to Retain Seats For BJP
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 10:11 AM IST
While Congress turncoats failed to shine for the BJP, two saffron party-dissenters won elections on
Gujarat Election Results: Most Congress Turncoats Fail to Retain Seats For BJP
indiacom
2017-12-18T23:11:38+00:00
2017-12-18T23:11:38+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 Results: Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi Stirs Controversy, Says 'RAM' Wins Over 'HAJ'
India.com News Desk | December 19, 2017 8:50 AM IST
Congress vitiated the electoral atmosphere by playing caste politics by invoking 'HAJ' (Hardik
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017 Results: Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi Stirs Controversy, Says 'RAM' Wins Over
indiacom
2017-12-18T21:50:15+00:00
2017-12-18T22:04:46+00:00
Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017
India.com

We are on Telegram now