How a Single Individual Became the Candidate for the BJP, Congress and AAP in Gujarat

An electoral atmosphere currently prevails across four states and one Union Territory in the country. During this period, public representatives have filed their nominations from their respective constituencies. Typically, a candidate contests an election representing a single party and files their nomination papers under that party's banner.

However, the notion of a single candidate filing nominations on behalf of three different parties may certainly sound bizarre. Bharat Singh Vakhala has staked his claim as the official candidate for the BJP, Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Pipero seat within the Dahod District Panchayat in Gujarat.

The Pipero seat is traditionally considered a stronghold of veteran leader Bachubhai Khabad. Vakhala had contested the previous assembly election on an AAP ticket and posed a stiff challenge to the BJP. He has a history of shifting his political allegiances. He had recently switched from the Congress to the AAP, only to be seen later 'surrendering' to the BJP camp.

A Single Candidate for Congress, AAP and BJP

An examination of the 11 nomination forms filed for the Pipero seat has revealed a peculiar administrative puzzle: 5 forms were filed on behalf of the BJP (including Vakhala's), 2 on behalf of the Congress (including Vakhala's), 1 on behalf of the AAP (Vakhala's), along with 2 independent candidates and 1 candidate from the BRP party.

This marks the first instance where all three major political organizations have, technically speaking, designated the same individual as their potential candidate.

Vakhala has submitted forms for all three parties; however, the legal validity of his candidature ultimately hinges upon the official mandate issued by the respective party. According to electoral regulations, a candidate is recognized as a party's official nominee only if the party issues a specific authorization letter prior to the stipulated deadline.

Summary 

A local election official stated that the situation will become clear only on the 15th—the final day for the withdrawal of nominations and the submission of party mandates. It is at that juncture that it will be revealed which party's 'Form B' the candidate submits, and which nomination papers are subsequently withdrawn or rejected.