Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani Is Missing, House Locked

Surat Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani, whose nomination as Lok Sabha candidate was rejected over alleged discrepancies, is missing and can't be reached over the phone, local media reported today. This comes a day after the BJP's Mukesh Dalal was declared winner from the BJP stronghold after all rival candidates withdrew from the contest.

Amid reports claiming that Mr Kumbhani may join the BJP, Congress workers protested outside his locked house with posters that read, "janata ka gaddar (people's traitor)".

The dramatic events follow the BJP's first Lok Sabha win in Surat, unopposed. Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil yesterday said Surat has presented "the first lotus" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I congratulate our candidate for Surat Lok Sabha seat Mukesh Dalal for getting elected unopposed," he said in a post on X.