Of the eight Congress MlAs, who voted against their party whip in the closely contested elections for the three Rajya Sabha seats, seven will join Bharatiya Janta Party soon.
Confirming the development Mahendrasinh Vaghela, the son of veteran politician Shankersinh Vaghela, said on Thursday that except his father, seven from his camp would join the saffron party.
“We have met BJP’s national president Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and State BJP chief Jitu Vaghani and expressed our willingness to join the party in whatever capacity they say. All of us will get together and take a decision in next few days,” said junior Vaghela, adding that his father has made it clear not to join any political outfit as of now.
In July last week, six Congress MlAs had resigned from the State legislative Assembly. The Congress on Wednesday expelled them from the party along with the eight who voted against the party whip along with Shankersinh Vaghela.
Meanwhile, at a press conference convened at his residence, Shankersinh Vaghela blamed the Congress for conspiracy in order to ensure victory of its senior leader Ahmed Patel. He said that Patel won because of JD(U) legislator’s decisive vote. The 77-year-old politician also questioned the right of the Election Commission to interfere in the poll process, stating that it was the right of the Returning Officer (RO) to end the dispute between
the parties.
Talking about him voting against his long-time friend Ahmed Patel after having maintained that his vote was reserved for Patel, he clarified that he had done so as per wishes of his loyalist legislators.
Criticising Congress’ move to take its 44 MlAs to a luxurious resort at the Karnataka’s capital, he said that there was no need to take MlAs to Bengaluru and treat them to luxury.
At least twenty more legislators would have jumped otherwise, said he, claiming that there was reportedly horse trading within the Congress.