New Delhi: The Congress’ attempt to set up a mega anti-BJP front in Gujarat began to take shape with the influential Patidar community leader Hardik Patel assuring his support to the proposed front saying — “We are anti-BJP, we will back Congress to defeat BJP”.
The Congress got another major boost with the Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakor announcing his decision to join the party. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be in Gujarat on October 23 where Mr Thakor is expected to join the party.
Another youth Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani is reportedly in touch with top Congress leaders. The Congress has given both Mr Patel and Mr Mevani an open invitation to join the party. The proposed front could rattle the BJP as all these three leaders represent three different powerful communities — Patidar, OBC and Dalit.
The Congress also invited like-minded parties and leaders including Aam Aadmi Party and Chhotu Vasava, a tribal deader and JD(U) MLA. Mr Vasava had supported Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections held in August. Congress was “hopeful” that AAP could join hands with them before the polls.
