Campaigning for Khadia by-polls ends

Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (PTI) Campaigning ended for the Khadiaassembly by-election here today, which has turned out to be akeen contest between the Congress and the BJP.

The constituency in the heart of the city was held forthe last eight terms by senior BJP leader Ashok Bhatt who diedrecently.

BJP has fielded Bhatt''s son Bhushan, while the Congresshas given ticket to youth leader and local businessman JagatShukla.

Congress MP and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddincampaigned for Shukla today by listing the achievements of theparty''s government at the centre.

Though the seat has been held by the BJP for more than 25years, the fight is expected to be keen this time due tochange in demographic profile of the constituency withtraditional BJP voters migrating from this old city area tonewly developed ones.

The party, however, believes a sympathy wave in favour ofBhatt''s son would help it sail through.

The election will be held on Monday and counting of voteswill take place on Thursday.