Veteran BJP leader and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel and his loyal colleague Gordhan Zadaphia will be sharing the dais for the first time at a non-Patel function on Saturday. Patel and Zadaphia will be presiding over the release of a matrimonial book as well as felicitation of members of the Rohit community at Town Hall in the city.
While some political observers are referring to this as a clear move against state Chief Minister Narendra Modi, others say Keshubhai and Zadaphia are looking to show they enjoy political appeal amongst other communities as well.
"After five public meetings of Patel communities at various locations in the state, now Keshubhai and Zadaphia will be seen together at non-Patel community functions too. It would not be a big surprise if the duo is seen attending many such events of other communities in the future," said a close aide of Patel.
Sources also said that Zadaphia has been a loyal supporter of Keshubhai, ever since the former was a minister during the latter's tenure as chief minister.
"So what if Zadaphia has a different political party and Keshubhai is with BJP? In fact, the former chief minister is not attending any big events of the BJP anymore, and is instead attending other public functions. This is a clear indication that he is not with part of the Modi camp in the saffron party," said the source.
