Congress Fields Kalusinh Dhabi Against Sitting MP Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan Of Gujarat's Kheda (Facebook image@Kalusinh Dhabi)

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress are getting ready for another political showdown in Gujarat”s Kheda Lok Sabha constituency. While BJP fielded the incumbent MP Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, Congress voiced confidence in Kalusinh Dabhi.

The 66-year-old Dhabi started off his political career as a Sarpanch. He then served as the President of Congress” Kathlal Taluk unit. Dhabi is a seasoned politician with deep roots in the local community. He won the legislative assembly election in 2017 from the Kapadvanj constituency, over the margin of 27,000 votes. He won the seat by defeating BJP”s Kanubhai Dhabi.

In an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India, Kalusinh Dhabi showed that since becoming an MLA in 2017, his assets has increased by 60 lakh. During 2017, he owned assets worth of Rs 85.03 lakh movable properties, and Rs 22.50 lakh immovable properties. In the affidavit submitted for the ongoing Lok Sabha election, he showed that he owns movable assets worth of Rs 1.22 crore and immovable assets worth of Rs 45.56 lakh. His total net worth has rose from Rs 1.67 crore to 1,97 crore.

Kheda is also known as Kaira, its historical name. Apart from being a political battleground, it is also a city rich in cultural and agricultural heritage. It is the birthplace of India”s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Kalusinh Dhabi”s opponent Chauhan is a big name in Kheda”s BJP. Though his political journey only started in 2014 general election, he made a name for himself by winning the Kheda seat. In 2019 election, he retained the seat by winning over the margin of 367,145 votes.