PAAS leader Hardik Patel has announced that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community if voted to power in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls.
“Congress will bring in a bill if they come in power in Gujarat,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday, 22 November.
We never asked for any ticket. There is no conflict within PAAS... We have never appealed to anyone to vote for Congress, but since they are talking about our rights, we leave it on the people to decide.Hardik Patel
“I am not joining any party,” the PAAS leader said, clearing the air about his plans for the Gujarat polls.
Did Congress’ New Candidate List do the Trick?
The announcement comes a day after Patel called off a press conference after differences cropped up between the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and the Congress over the Botad assembly constituency.
In its second list, the Congress replaced four nominees after PAAS members voiced discontent over the faces.
As per the new list, Bhikhabhai Joshi replaces Amit Thummar in Junagadh, Jaish Patel has been named for Bharuch instead of Kiran Thakor, Ashok Jirawala will contest from Kamrej in place of Nilesh Kumbani and Dhirubhai Gajera is the new candidate for the Varachha Road seat in place of Prafulbhai C Togadiya.
Thummar, Kumbani, and Togadiya – cousin of VHP leader Pravin Togadia – were replaced after PAAS members reportedly raised objection to their candidature.
Trouble also erupted over the Botad seat where the Congress fielded Nationalist Congress Party rebel Manhar Patel – instead of Dilip Sabwa, the PAAS’ pick for the seat.
(With inputs from IANS)
(This is a developing story and will be updated)
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