Donga asked to withdraw from Rajkot (east) over seat sharing with JD(U)

Rajkot: In a major shock to Rajkot Congress, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has instructed Rajkot (east) candidate to withdraw his nomination following successful tie up with Sharad Yadav led JD(U). However, the candidate Mitul Donga is in no mood to withdraw the nomination. Friday is the last day to withdraw the nomination for the first phase of election for which polling will be held on December 9.

Congress general secretery Dr Hemang Vasavda told TOI, "AICC have instructed Rajkot (east) assembly candidate Mitul Donga to withdraw nomination after seat sharing agreement with JD(U). If he doesn't withdraw the nomination, action can be taken by AICC."

Donga, who is a Patidar candidate, is believed to be close to Indranil Rajguru, who is contesting from Rajkot (west) seat against chief minister Vijay Rupani. Donga said, "There was some misunderstanding. I have not been asked to withdraw nomination. I am going to contest the election."

Returning officer of Rajkot, too, confirmed that by till Thursday evening Donga had not withdrawn nomination. In 2012 assembly elections, Donga lost against BJP's Govind Patel from Rajkot (south) seat.