The Congress has given a jolt to BJP by winning Kodinar Assembly constituency by-poll. The party has snatched the seat from BJP after four terms. The election for the seat was held on September 10 along with polls for six other Assembly seats across Gujarat.

Congress candidate Dhirsinh Barad has defeated Natavarsinh Vala, his nearest rival from BJP by a margin of 7942 votes. Barad got 55,900 votes while Vala secured 47,958 votes. The counting of votes began this morning amid tight security at J P school premises in Veraval. At the end of the final round, Barad had established comfortable margin for the victory. After posting his victory, Barad, said “His party is committed for the all out development of the region, and that he will do tireless efforts for the same. Peoples here wanted change as they were tired off BJP rule.” Vijay Rupani, state BJP leader, however maintained that the party lost Kodinar seat for regional reasons.