Hardik Patel’s Key Aides Reshma, Varun Patel Join Gujarat BJP

This came a few hours after OBC leader Alpesh Thakor confirmed that he was joining the Congress.

Patidar leaders Reshma Patel and Varun Patel.

(Photo: The Quint)

In a dramatic turn of events in poll-bound Gujarat, quota spearhead Hardik Patel's key aides – Varun Patel and Reshma Patel – joined the ruling BJP on Saturday.

The announcement came a few hours after Thakor community leader, Alpesh Thakor, confirmed that he was joining the Congress. The convenor of the OBC, ST and ST Ekta Manch told ANI that he would join the national party after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi attends the Janadesh Sammelan on 23 October.

Rahul Gandhi would be coming to our rally on Oct 23 and I will join the Congress party.

Alpesh Thakur

Also Read: Gujarat Assembly Polls: Alpesh Thakor to Join Congress on Monday

Hoping to garner support of various communities in Gujarat polls, the state Congress on Saturday, 21 October, invited Patidar quota stir spearhead Hardik Patel, Thakor community leader Alpesh Thakor and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani to join hands with the party to defeat the ruling BJP.

Apart from these leaders, the Congress also hinted at forging a pre-poll alliance with Sharad Pawar-led NCP and bringing on board Chhotu Vasava, the lone JD(U) MLA from the state.