Ahmedabad: Following the declaration of results for the 2026 Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, attention has turned to the Congress party, which is now preparing to select its Leader of Opposition. Having secured 32 seats in the 192-member civic body, Congress has met the threshold required to claim the post, making this decision politically crucial ahead of the new AMC term.
Contenders for the Post
Four names are currently under consideration within party circles: Nirav Bakshi from Dariapur, Zulfi Khan Pathan from Gomtipur, Kamini Jha from Kubernagar, and Shehzad Khan Pathan from Danilimda. Party insiders reveal that senior leaders are eager to avoid the prolonged delay seen after the 2021 polls, when Congress took nearly a year to finalize its opposition leader due to internal consultations among senior corporators.
Nirav Bakshi: A Strong Contender
Among the frontrunners, Bakshi is considered a strong candidate. Re-elected for a second consecutive term from Dariapur, he hails from a political family; his father served as a senior corporator and former opposition leader in the AMC. His experience and continuity are viewed as significant advantages.
Zulfi Khan Pathan: A Commanding Victory
Zulfi Khan Pathan has also emerged as a serious claimant after registering a commanding victory from Gomtipur in what was perceived as a difficult electoral contest. Like Bakshi, he comes from a family with a civic political legacy, with his father having served as a senior corporator.
Community Representation Factors
If the party leadership opts for community representation, the contest could take a different turn. Sources indicate that if Congress decides to appoint a Muslim face, Zulfi Khan and Shehzad Khan are likely to be considered. Shehzad Khan, a four-time elected corporator from Danilimda, brings administrative experience and familiarity with the civic body's functioning.
On the other hand, if Congress chooses a Hindu leader, Bakshi and Kamini Jha are likely to be in focus. Jha, re-elected from Kubernagar, is being viewed as a potential consensus candidate.
Background and Implications
The selection of the Leader of Opposition is significant as it will shape the Congress party's strategy and voice in the AMC. The delay after the 2021 elections highlighted internal challenges, and the party is now keen to move swiftly. The new AMC term is expected to address key urban issues, and the opposition leader will play a vital role in holding the ruling party accountable.
