Are you disappointed with the results? Only two votes played a major role and led to Patel winning the polls against you.
I am not disappointed and have not lost any courage. I would say that Congress played dirty politics and used tactics so that Ahmed Patel could win. After this experience, I am even more determined to give a tough fight to the Congress in the days to come.
What is your plan now? Will you ask for a ticket from Sidhpur in the upcoming Assembly elections?
I am not going to demand a ticket from BJP now. If the party finds me suitable for that, then they will give a ticket. If not, I will not go asking for one. I am also not demanding any position in the BJP. I wish to work as a base-level worker from now on and will work so that the party wins with more seats. I will also throw new challenges to the Congress in the upcoming polls and will challenge the EC's verdict on the RS polls.
Do you think it was the right decision on part of BJP to field you as the third candidate even when they did not have enough votes to get you a safe passage?
No. In fact, I would say that starting from Amitbhai (Amit Shah) to BJP's top brass in Gujarat to the smallest party worker, everyone has supported me. If the Congress had not played dirty, I would have won against Patel as per rules. Therefore, I have no criticism on that.
Did Shankersinh Vaghela stand by you in any of your decision?
He supported me in the polls and I am thankful for that. But my decisions to quit as Congress MLA and contest Rajya Sabha polls as a BJP candidate were my own. I did not consult him (Vaghela) before taking any decision. He is, however, a respected leader for me.
