The Congress on Thursday announced Sherkhan Abdul Shakur Pathan as the party’s candidate from the Bharuch Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat, putting to rest all speculation about senior leader Ahmed Patel being a possible candidate.
Mr. Patel, a present member of the Rajya Sabha, was being talked about as a contender for Bharuch that also happens to be his native place.
He had earlier represented the constituency thrice between 1977 and 1989. Keen to win a few Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat that saw the BJP winning all the 26 seats during 2014 elections, the Congress was exploring to field strong candidates like Mr. Patel.
However, organisational responsibilities may have prevented Mr. Patel as he is also the party’s treasurer who is tasked with the responsibility of mobilising funds for the party ahead of elections.