Things are falling in line for BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in context of the general election 2014. Even his foes are turning friends. On Monday, in a major political development in Gujarat, former Gujarat Chief Minister and Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) founder president Keshubhai Patel’s son Bharat Patel rejoined the BJP that too with his father’s blessings.
Joining of Bharat Patel in the BJP means a lot for the party. Especially, for Gujarat BJP leadership as they have been given a task to secure all 26 lok Sabha seats in favour of party to achieve magical tally of 272 in the upcoming elections. Keshubhai Patel is having sway in at least five to seven parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat situated in Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions, where leuva Patel’s are in large number — the community Keshubhai belongs to. The second advantage would be weakening of Keshubhai’s political outfit GPP, as now there would be lot of confusion over Keshubhai stance towards BJP.
After joining the BJP, Bharat said that he elaborately discussed his decision to join the BJP with his illustrious father and he gave permission to go ahead. Patel also clarified that though he had left BJP following his father’s exit, he had never joined any other party in the meantime. He said he has been associated with RSS and BJP for a long time. And was also remained vice president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
In a question on Keshubhai Patel intends to join BJP, he smartly avoided to answer and said that he is the right person to solve the query rather the question should be asked to him (Keshubhai). On political differences between Keshubhai and Modi, he said that in democratic society two persons can have difference of opinions.
Replying a query of Keshubhai’s return in BJP fold, Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu said that if he returns in BJP, it would be win-win situation for hi as well as BJP. “Keshubhai is an honorable leader and has spent almost entire life for the development of the party in Gujarat. None in party can have negative opinion about him”.
State BJP general secretary, who played an important role in bringing Bharat Patel back into BJP, said that he and other party leaders were in contact with Bharat for long time. “The only issue was that he decided to follow his father. Now when his father has permitted him to take independent decision, he is back,” he said.
On his future in BJP, Bharat Patel replied that he would ready to do any work given by the party. He however expressed interest in serving poor and middle class people in the society. According to sources, Bharat has shown interest in fighting election from Visavadar Assembly constituency from where Keshubhai Patel traditionally emerged victorious that include the last Assembly elections too.