In a remarkable display of social harmony and grassroots support, independent candidate Apexa Soni has scripted an unlikely victory from Ward 7 in Godhra, a communally sensitive pocket that was Ground Zero of the 2002 Gujarat violence. The ward, where Hindu votes are negligible, includes localities such as Satpul, Hayatni Wadi, Vachla Odha, Chuchla Plot, and Geni Plot, all less than a kilometre away from Godhra railway station and Signal Falia, sites closely linked to the Sabarmati Express burning that triggered the riots.
Apexa Soni's Journey to Victory
Apexa Soni had narrowly lost the 2021 election by around 100 votes and was initially hesitant to contest again. However, residents, largely from the Muslim community, urged her to re-enter the fray, assuring their full backing. A resident of Ward 7, where her husband Nainesh Soni runs a jewellery shop, Apexa had built her connect by actively addressing local civic issues and assisting residents. Even after her defeat, she continued her work, often spending from her own pocket to address sanitation and other minor concerns.
Persuasion and Support from Locals
Following a ward delimitation exercise last year, she had decided against contesting, but was persuaded by locals and community leaders to give it another try. Their faith paid off as she emerged victorious on Tuesday. Calling the result a reflection of unity, Apexa said voters treated her "like a sister or daughter" and stood firmly behind her.
Local councillor Sajid Kala credited her consistent work for the win, noting that the ward has barely two dozen Hindu voters. District Congress vice president Rafiq Tijoriwala described her victory as an example of people rising above divisions to support a candidate committed to public service.
