Faisal Patel, son of late Ahmed Patel, a senior Congress leader from Bharuch, has announced his decision to sever ties with the party. The announcement, made on Thursday through a social media post, marks a huge departure from his father’s political legacy and has caused ripples within Congress circles.
In his statement, Faisal Patel expressed distress over his experiences within the party, stating that he had endured immense challenges while working with Congress. “My late father dedicated his entire life to serving the country, the party, and the Gandhi family,” he wrote.
He added that despite his efforts to follow his father’s path, he was denied opportunities within the party.
“I tried following his footsteps but was denied an opportunity to serve every step of the way. I will continue to work for people in whatever way possible. The Congress Party will remain my family as it has always been. I want to thank all the Congress leaders, party workers, and well-wishers who have supported me,” Patel stated.
Faisal told Vibes of India that he does not wish to say anything else at this moment.
His decision follows ongoing dissatisfaction with the Congress’s handling of the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat. He had previously warned on social media that if the seat was not allocated to him, party supporters would not back the party’s candidate.
Faisal Patel and his sister, Mumtaz Patel, have previously voiced frustration over party affairs, particularly since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Their discontent grew after Congress, under a seat-sharing arrangement with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), allowed AAP to contest the Bharuch seat, which holds sentimental value for the Patel family. Neither sibling contested the election.
Faisal Patel, 44, is a Harvard Business School alumnus and is associated with the HMP Foundation. He identifies as an exponential entrepreneur but has not held a formal position within Congress.
Reacting to the development, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker acknowledged the Patel family’s contributions to the party.
“Ahmed Patel and his family have made immense contributions to the growth of the Congress Party, not just in Gujarat but across the nation. The central and state leadership will reach out to Faisal Patel to address his concerns. The entire state Congress unit stands in solidarity with the family,” he said.
There is speculation over Faisal Patel’s future political course, with suggestions that he may align himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he has not confirmed any such move.
BJP spokesperson Dr Yagnesh Dave criticised the Congress, stating that its leaders obstruct those who want to work, proving how directionless the party is.
“The Congress lacks both direction and policy, and it is unfortunate for the party that the son of a senior leader has to leave in such a manner,” Dave said.
Minister and spokesperson Rushikesh Patel also commented on Faisal Patel’s resignation, alleging that Congress has lost its ideology and now only engages in caste-based politics.
He added that “even Congress members themselves are leaving the party, and soon, only a handful will remain”.
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