Gujarat: OBC leader and MLA Alpesh Thakor quits Congress
What's the story
In a setback for the Congress in Gujarat, OBC leader and Radhanpur MLA, Alpesh Thakor, has reportedly quit the part only a day ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Thakor's close aide Dhavalsinh Zala confirmed that he has quit Congress, reported TOI.
Earlier, two close aides of Thakor filed nominations to contest as Independents in the upcoming polls.
Here's more.
Quote
Thakor Sena asked three Congress MLAs to leave the party
"Thakor Sena committee passed a resolution and asked us three Congress MLAs namely Alpeshji, me, and Bharatji Thakor to leave Congress to protest against the ignorance of Thakor community by the party. So far, no plan to join any party," Zala told TOI.
Details
In March, Thakor said he would stay with the Congress
Alpesh Thakor had, a month ago, refuted speculations of him resigning from Congress to join BJP.
The OBC leader had also stated he would stay with the Congress party and continue his fight for the rights of his Thakor community.
"I will stay with Congress and will continue to support this party. I want respect and rights for my people," Thakor said in March.
Joining BJP?
Thakur mulling to join the BJP, say reports
Thakor earlier indicated he wouldn't be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Reports, however, say he was mulling to join BJP ahead of the elections but the ruling party is yet to take a decision. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi would address his first election rally in Gujarat on Wednesday.
Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat will be held in the third phase on 23 April.