Gurugram : The nomination of independent candidate Naveen Goyal from the Gurugram assembly constituency has shocked the Congress and BJP alike. In order to officially commence his independent candidacy, Goyal, the former BJP State Convenor for the Trade Cell, began the nomination process with a large gathering at the Jail Complex Ground. This was followed by a forceful foot march through Gurugram markets.
Goyal, who has established his reputation through 11 years of devoted service and public work, has positioned himself as a formidable candidate after the BJP denied him a ticket. He has also received blessings from spiritual leader Dharmdev Ji and the venerated Sheetla Mata, the patron deity of Gurugram. Additionally, the Brahmin community enthusiastically endorsed him, symbolically kicking off the rally.
During his speech at the rally, Goyal stressed his long-term plans for Gurugram, saying, “My objective is to make the Gurugram Assembly the nation’s top constituency in terms of jobs and education. Like Indore, we want to make Gurugram the cleanest city in the world.” A large number of former BJP councilors, well-known Punjabi community leaders, and the leaders of thirty-six fraternities turned out to support Goyal at the gathering.
With Goyal’s audacious entry into the race, the Gurugram campaign has turned into a high-stakes triangular fight. While the Congress has nominated Mohit Grover, a member of the Punjabi group, the BJP has put forth Mukesh Sharma, a member of the Brahmin caste. Goyal is the only independent candidate and is a member of the Vaishya group. Since Umesh Aggarwal, the former MLA, stepped down, Goyal has become a serious competitor, especially with grassroots voters.
Both the BJP and the Congress have expressed alarm about this overwhelming display of support, suggesting that Goyal’s influence may alter Gurugram’s customary voting procedures. His stronghold in the community is shown by his popularity and the success of the rally, which could cause an upset in the 2024 elections.
