The Congress party is facing significant challenges ahead of the April 26 local body elections for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, with allegations of police intimidation against its candidates. Bharat Bharwad, the Congress candidate for Sarkhej ward, has withdrawn his nomination, while Falguniben Rawal did not submit her nomination for Vasna ward. Congress leaders, led by Amit Chavda (president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee), have submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commissioner, S Murali Krishna, claiming that police are acting on behalf of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to intimidate candidates into withdrawing their nominations. The party has reported that candidates have been threatened and taken to unknown locations by police. They demand an impartial investigation into these allegations, the transfer of police officers under political pressure, and adequate protection for their candidates to ensure a fair electoral process. Congress has highlighted instances of intimidation across various districts, including Kalol and Surat, and has raised concerns about inconsistencies in the electoral process regarding the approval of nomination forms. Chavda emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake if intimidation continues unchecked.