The Congress on Wednesday nominated Patidar reservation leader Hardik Patel's close aide Geeta Patel as its candidate for Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat.
Geeta Patel, a core committee member of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), edged out Rohan Gupta, the party's national media coordinator, who was believed to be almost certain as the candidate, at the last moment.
"Hardik Patel's dim prospects of contesting in the elections because of the ongoing court case has led to his loyalist Geeta Patel being picked," said a party insider.
Reacting to her nomination, Geeta Patel said she was happy to have been selected for the ticket.
"I will try my best to repose the faith the Congress party and people have shown in me," she told media-persons.
The BJP is yet to announce its candidate for the Ahmedabad East seat.
Geeta Patel was among the 20 candidates announced by the party, including four from Gujarat. The other three nominees were CJ Chavda from Gandhinagar, Soma Patel from Surendranagar, and Mulu Kandoriya from Jamnagar.
