Keshubhai Patel is again in lime-light in the run-up to this assembly polls and his supporters are making all out efforts to project the former chief minister as the best political option in the forthcoming elections. Around 400 people from Surat went to Gandhinagar on Sunday to meet Keshubhai. They urged Patel to re-enter the political scene and promised him of all possible help.
The group comprising Gordhan Zadaphia-led MahaGujarat Janata Party (MJP) leaders and other supporters of Patel left Surat in 80 cars for Gandhinagar on Sunday. Group comprising diamond traders, land-developers, community leaders and others reached Gandhinagar at 5 pm and directly went to Patel’s bungalow. Patel held a meeting with them and discussed the current political situation.
“Keshubhai asked us about people’s view for current government and what they expect from him and his colleagues,” said Dhiru Mangrolia, Surat MJP leader. “We told Patel that we have full faith on him and whatever decision will be taken, will be followed whole-heartedly. We asked him to re-enter into state political scene and he asked us to wait for appropriate time,” he added.
Sources said that Patel has promised not to repeat 2007 assembly elections situation. In 2007, Patel entered into the political scene but fell silent after addressing the people and remained in-active till the polls ended. The group also asked Patel to address public rallies and communities, to prepare platform for him and leaders supporting him. They promised of every possible help to Patel in his work. “People don’t want Congress to come into power and are fed-up with the BJP. In this situation, Keshubhai Patel is the best option for them. We know nerve of the people and their respect for Patel and so are making attempts that he becomes politically active again,” Mangrolia added.