Surat – On the final day for filing nominations for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP State President C.R. Patil were in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Patil chose the auspicious Vijay Muhurta to file his nomination from the Navsari seat.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Harsh Sanghvi, BJP candidate C.R. Patil led a spirited bike rally on Thursday through Navsari for his nomination. The rally, starting from the central office in Navsari, saw Patil and CM Patel riding in a flower-adorned car, attracting thousands of enthusiastic supporters. Women danced the Garba, and Geeta Rabari's songs filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Stringent police arrangements were in place to ensure safety during the event. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Patil missed the opportunity to file his nomination on Thursday. Therefore, on Friday, accompanied by a small group of supporters, Patil successfully registered his candidature for the Navsari Lok Sabha seat at 12:39 in the Vijay Muhurta.

In a notable gesture of sportsmanship, both Patil and Congress candidate Naishadh Desai met at the Collector's office in Navsari. Desai approached Patil and exchanged a few words, which led to a friendly exchange between the two candidates. After filing his nomination, Desai expressed his best wishes for Patil, and in return, Patil reciprocated the sentiment.

Desai, the Congress candidate, made a symbolic appearance at the Collector's office, dressed in Khadi attire reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi, with a bald head, a stick in his hand, and wearing slippers, paying homage to the Father of the Nation. His attire was a subtle nod to Gandhi's principles and his commitment to simplicity and non-violence.