Amid chatter that he might quit Congress, the party’s working president, Hardik Patel, on Monday attended the ‘Yuva Swabhimani Sammelan’ organized by Gujarat Youth Congress at Songadh, in Tapi district.
The newly appointed AICC Secretary in charge of Gujarat, BM Sandeep and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Srinivas BV were also present at the event.
Hardik Patel talked to VoI and expressed his views on the rumors that he might leave the party. “I have not made any statement about leaving Congress and joining BJP,” he said.
Thousands of youngsters were present during the rally and later at the meeting. “We, the young people, have the responsibility to uproot the corrupt BJP-led government from Gujarat and India”, Srinivas said, addressing the young Congress workers.
Hardik Patel, a few days ago, raised his voice against the Congress’ state leadership, saying that the higher ups lacked the power of decision making. He further expressed his discontentment, saying that when state leadership does not take the right decisions, those members who want to take actions that will be for the welfare of the people also cannot work.
Rumors of him joining the BJP spurred when he made some pro-BJP remarks. While talking to the reporters, Patel said that BJP’s decisions like the repealing of Article 370 and construction of Ram Mandir should be commended. Patel, calling himself a Hindutva leader, assured that he was not talking in favor of BJP but he can appreciate their good deeds and their power to make right decisions in a timely manner.
Although he has not yet said anything about quitting Congress, he recently said, “Gujarat has given me everything. All of them connect me with Kejriwal. But, BJP, Congress, all your options are open. My intention is clear and that is to do whatever I can for the welfare of the people of this state.”
