Gujarat Assembly polls 2017: Caste, factionalism delay Cong candidate list

Even though only two days are left to file nominations for the first phase of Gujarat polls, the Congress is yet to announce its candidates as the party is trying to strike the delicate caste balance while doing the quota tight rope and grappling internal factionalism.

The list is likely to be announced tonight when a meeting is scheduled between PAAS leaders and the Congress.

"Our list will be declared this evening," Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said without elaborating.

While Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which is playing a hardball with the grand old party given its hold on the numerically strong community, has demanded around 20 seats from the Congress quota, Alpesh Thakor-led OBC group has demanded 12 seats, which has delayed the Congress' list. Thakor had joined the Congress recently.

Moreover, groupism and dissension in the state Congress unit is also said to be a reason behind the delay in finalising candidates.

On the contrary, the ruling BJP has announced 106 candidates out of total 182 seats, by releasing two lists so far.

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