Explorer

Hardik Patel hints at supporting Congress against 'arrogant' BJP in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In a major development that may stir political equations in Gujarat, Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik patel on Sunday hinted at supporting Congress against the ruling BJP in upcoming assembly elections. While talking to ABP News, Hardik said people should bring Congress to power to shatter BJP's arrogance. "Congress has invited me to join them. In Indian tradition we accept invitations but to go or not to go, depends upon us. I told them I cannot contest elections," Patel said. "We are fighting against those who committed atrocities against us, made our youth jobless and forced farmers to commit suicide. We are fighting against BJP and have only one party in opposition and that's Congress. If Congress wants to work for people and development of state, people should think about it," firebrand Patidar leader said. Hardik said that people in Gujarat still remember Congress as a party which was not at least cruel to the people of the state. "In Congress, there's democracy. You have the right to protest, to come on roads. I feel if there's any party against BJP, it's Congress. If Congress has the solution to the problems of the people of Gujarat, people will bring it to power," he said. When asked if he is willing to join Congress, Hardik said he does not hate or love the grand old party but to oust "arrogant" BJP from ruling the state, Congress should be brought back to power. "Though Congress has been out of power for over 22 years but during its rule there was no corruption in the state. Now it should make a comeback," he said. Congress had on Saturday invited the fiery trio of Hardik Patel, Thakor community leader Alpesh Thakor and dalit leader Jignesh Mevani to join hands with the party to defeat the ruling BJP. Thakor, who has emerged as a strong OBC leader, announced that he will join Congress after meeting with Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. With Alpesh joining Congress and Hardik hinting at supporting the grand old party, political equations in Gujarat are bound to change. Thakor emerged as the face of the OBC community that represents at least 20-22% of the state's population while Patidars represents 12-13% of the population of Gujarat. Congress is looking forward to create a political space for itself in prime minister Narendra Modi's home state by trying to win Patidars and OBC voters.
View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

Mukhtar Ansari Death: UP Court Orders Probe After Son Claims Father 'Poisoned' In Jail — Top Points
Mukhtar Ansari Death: UP Court Orders Probe After Son Claims Father 'Poisoned' In Jail — Top Points
I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
'System Ki Dhajjiyan Uda Rahen Hain': Hardeep Puri Jabs Kejriwal At ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024
'System Ki Dhajjiyan Uda Rahen Hain': Hardeep Puri Jabs Kejriwal At ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

Shehzada Dhami & Niti Taylor Shares Instagram Post, Spark Rumours Of A New ShowHot News: Jay Bhanushali Wear's Wife Mahi's Pink Maxi, Daughter Gets EntertainedHot News: Shivani Joshi's Special Birthday Post For Kushal Tandon Is A Testament To True FriendshipMukhtar Ansari's Death: Post-Mortem Conducted In Banda, Videotaped

Photogallery

Embed widget