Cong invites Hardik Patel to fight Gujarat elections

In an attempt to mobilise all opposition forces against BJP, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has invited face of the Patidar Anamat Andolan, Hardik Patel to fight elections on the Congress symbol.

Addressing a press meet in Ahmedabad, GPCC chief Bharatsinh Solanki officially invited Hardik Patel and said, “The Congress Vijay Yatra (journey) has begun. In our journey, we invite like-minded political outfits and leaders to join the Congress and help us dethrone the BJP and bring an end to its 22 years of misrule.”

He also invited two other important young faces of the Gujarat – face of the Una uprising, Jignesh Mevani, and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor—to fight elections against BJP. According to analysts, these three faces would play crucial roles in Assembly elections this time as all of them enjoy considerable clout in their respective communities.

“Three young faces, Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor and Jignesh Mevani, had initiated movements to raise the voice of people against the BJP rule. We have decided to take these leaders along and recreate a new Gujarat," said Solanki while hinting that the party is planning to forge greater alliance of all opposition vote base.

Meanwhile, news agency ANI has reported Patel as saying that he could not contest the election because of his age. According to media reports, Patel has agreed to “work” with the Congress in the election.

He was quoted as saying, “Constitutionally speaking, I cannot contest the election and I don’t need to. Although, I believe we must unite against the BJP, this is not a BJP-Congress election. This is an election of six crore people of Gujarat.”

Interestingly, the Congress, which has fought elections against AAP in Delhi and Punjab, has offered an olive branch to the party, saying both parties could join hands against BJP in the election.

“We know several AAP supporters have a liking towards the Congress’ ideology. We invite them to join us and support our mission to win 125 seats in the Gujarat elections,” Solanki said during the conference.