Gandhinagar: With the filing of nomination papers for Gujarat’s upcoming local body elections set to begin on April 6, major political parties have stepped up efforts to finalise their candidates, signalling the start of an intense pre-poll phase across the state.The ruling BJP on Friday completed its candidate screening process across Gujarat. Party sources indicated that apart from assessing organisational work and grassroots connect, observers were also tasked with evaluating the social media presence of prospective candidates, reflecting an increased emphasis on digital outreach in the elections.Sources further revealed that the party was likely to deny tickets to candidates above the age of 60, as well as those with close familial ties to sitting elected representatives or office-bearers in the state organisation. The move is being seen as part of an effort to promote fresh faces and curb perceptions of favouritism.Meanwhile, the Congress has opted for a phased announcement of its candidates, with the first list expected to be released on Saturday. State Congress president Amit Chavda said the party was prioritising youth representation, with a decision to allocate 50% of tickets to younger candidates.Chavda added that party leaders involved in the screening process were in consultation with the state leadership to ensure that “the most deserving candidates” are fielded for the elections.The elections, scheduled for April 26, will see approximately 4.19 crore voters out of the state’s 4.4 crore eligible electorate casting their votes. Representatives will be elected to 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats across Gujarat.
