The Congress party finds itself up against rebellion in Kathlal assembly by-election on the last day of filing of nominations on Wednesday.

Bharat Zala, son of late Congress local MLA Shri Gautam Zala, filed nomination on last day as an independent candidate here.

The Congress has fielded Ghelabhai Zala.

Kathlal assembly constituency area has as many as 27 OBC(other backward class) dominated villages of Thasra belt. Moreover in Chhipadi and Kathlal, the OBC Zala votes are dominant. Congress traditionally wins this seat on the bases of these votes. Therefore the party has selected Ghelabhai Zala. However Rebel candidate Bharat Zala is from same community, and therefore can harm Congress party, and snatch away considerable amount of committed votes from ‘OBC Zala’ segment. Bharat Zala had demanded Congress ticket, but he was also in talks with BJP leaders, because of which Congress leaders were doubtful about his stand. Moreover Shankarsinh Vaghela and Dinsha Patel, two dominant leaders of this area were lobbying for two persons other than Bharat Zala.

BJP candidate Kanubhai Dabhi lost Kathlal election by margin of 2,681 votes in 2007 Gujarat Assembly election. If Bharat Zala can disturb only some traditional Congress votes, he can give away good prospects of victory to the BJP.