Gandhinagar / Ahmedabad, Feb 13 2026
The Gujarat Legislative Assembly is set to hold an election for the post of Deputy Speaker on February 16, 2026, marking a formally contested poll after nominations were filed by candidates from both major political parties ahead of the assembly’s Budget Session.
The election comes after the resignation of the previous Deputy Speaker, Jethabhai Ahir (also known as Jetha Bharwad), who stepped down late last year citing other responsibilities.
Purnesh Modi — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Surat West MLA and former state minister, filed his nomination at the Assembly Secretariat in Gandhinagar on Friday in the presence of senior party leaders including Minister Rushikesh Patel. The BJP has officially endorsed his candidacy.
Shailesh Parmar — The Congress nominee and Danilimda MLA also submitted his nomination, ensuring a contest for the constitutional post. Congress leaders have stated that Parmar’s candidacy upholds democratic and parliamentary convention by giving the Opposition space in legislative posts.
