Behind Ahmed Patel's victory was this Congressman who held his ground

After the polling ended, Gohil reported that the two MLAs close to Shankersinh Vaghela had shown the ballot papers to Amit Shah.

Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election which saw Ahmed Patel enter the upper house of Parliament for the 5th time was a hard fought battle. The drama unfolded late into Tuesday night before the Election Commission of India invalidated two votes which helped Patel win.

In the backdrop of all this drama was senior Congress leader from Gujarat Shaktisinh Gohil. It was he who first reported the flashing of the ballot papers by the two MLAs which led to the plea before the EC.

Gohil was in touch with the high command all along. He was assured that the matter will be taken to the EC. Gohil, a lawyer used all his experience to ensure that Patel sailed through.

After the polling ended, Gohil reported that the two MLAs close to Shankersinh Vaghela had shown the ballot papers to Amit Shah. He immediately reported the same and said that the act by the MLAs violated privacy and hence their votes be invalidated. Had the same not been reported, Patel would have lost the elections.

After a tough legal battle, the EC finally decided past midnight that the two votes were invalid. The Congress credits Gohil for Patel's victory and says that it was his experience that saved the day for the party.

OneIndia News