Mamata Banerjee to Hardik Patel: Join Trinamool Congress
What's the story
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee recently met Hardik Patel, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti's convener, at the State Secretariat and urged him to join Trinamool Congress. Though he didn't make his stand clear, Hardik promised to campaign for Mamata for the 2019 polls. Praising didi, he said he hadn't heard of such a feisty leader since former PM Indira Gandhi. Here's more about their meeting.
Opposition leader
'Congress and Trinamool Congress only Opposition in India'
Patel also added that Congress and Trinamool are the only Opposition parties in the country today. He hoped they would unite and band "others" into a consolidated Opposition. Completely taken in by Mamata's simplicity and selfless disposition, he said, "She is an intelligent woman with a history of being a revolutionary leader. She should come forward to be the leader of opposition parties."
Didi's lessons
Patel also hopes to learn from Mamata
Mamata also spoke to Patel about her days of struggle. She advised him to join politics as political leaders make policy decisions. An "enlightened" Patel warmly said, "She has come to power after a long fight. I would take advice from her, if required." He also requested her to visit Gujarat to talk of women empowerment. Reportedly, Mamata graciously agreed to this proposition.
Mamata's views
What did Mamata have to say about Hardik?
Mamata affectionately referred to Patel as a "younger brother," remarking that "he has a good political sense and is sensitive." She was one of the few to wish Patel after BJP's truncated Gujarat elections victory. Though BJP reached the majority mark with 99 of 182 Assembly seats, it fell short of its 150+ target. The Patidar fire-brand had contributed to BJP's lacklustre win.
Other openings
Meanwhile, this is Hardik's second offer to join a political-party
Earlier, the Patidar quota agitator had a similar invite from Gujarat Congress with a party ticket once he turns 25, the minimum age to contest elections. Moreover, after PAAS's movement began picking up, Patel also met Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who promised to work for reservation of distressed communities. But, Nitish jumped ship and joinedNDA. But, the young turk is literally going places.