Gujarat assembly polls: Congress clears 70 candidates for first phase

The Congress following a late night meeting has cleared the names of 70 candidates for the first phase of the Gujarat assembly elections 2018. The decision was taken following a 40 minute meeting that was chaired by Congress president, Sonia Gandhi.

Of the 182 Assembly seats in Gujarat, 89 seats will go to polls in the first phase on December 9. The Congress has been cautious while selecting the list. It has taken into consideration a host of factors. It is looking to create a balance and also accommodate the interests of the Patels, Dalits and OBCs.

While the high command has cleared the names of 70 candidates, a formal announcement to this effect would be made only next week. Rahul Gandhi, vice-president of the party will take a final call on the matter. He would hold a meeting with the two screening panels set up by the party before making a final announcement on the candidates.