Hardik Patel, who joined the Indian National Congress (INC) on the 12th of March this year, was, on the 29th of March, denied a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections by the High Court.
This rejection comes as a blow for both the INC and Hardik after the Gujarat High Court rejected Hardik’s stay order on his July 2018 conviction for rioting and arson.
Justice A.G. Uraizee passed the order based on a previous argument made by Advocate General Kamal Trivedi. The Advocate, who initially argued the case, cited not one, but 17 First Information Reports (FIRs) against Hardik and his crimes.
Hardik blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not being able to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
“We will not get scared. We will keep raising the concerns of the common man with truth, non violence and honesty. Will ensure the Congress forms a government. For the Party, I will campaign in Gujarat and across the Country. My only fault is I did not bow down before the BJP. This is the result of fighting the Government,” Hardik said, while reacting to the rejection.
This rejection was made in accordance to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which states, people who are convicted cannot contest the elections unless the conviction is stayed.
Responding to Hardik’s comment, Union Minister and Gujarat General Secretary Mansukh Mandaviya said, “BJP has always respected the Constitution. BJP never stops anybody from fighting elections. The decision that Hardik cannot fight the election is that of the High Court. High Court is a Constitutional institution and everybody has to respect its decision. It has been the Congress tradition to insult and undermine Constitutional institutions… if the court verdict is in their favour then they accept it, but if it is against then they defame Constitutional institutions.”
The 4th of April is the last date by which Hardik can file his nominations for Gujarat, leaving Hardik very few days to challenge the ruling.
With the INC and the BJP being the major parties contesting, the seven phased Lok Sabha elections are going to be conducted from the 11th of April to the 19th of May.
The results of the Lok Sabha elections are going to be announced on the 23rd of May.
Stay tuned for more updates.
