Congress MLA Jashabhai Barad resigns, rejoins BJP

Junagadh, 19 February 2014

As expected, Congress MLA Jashabhai Barad today resigned from the post of MLA. Barad is MLA from Somnath in Junagadh district of Saurashtra region. He belongs to Karadia Rajput community. Barad’s resignation will invite assembly by-poll here along with the Lok Sabha general elections in April/May. It is learnt that Barad will contest Junagadh Lok Sabha election on BJP ticket and not Somnath assembly by-election. Barad’s induction to BJP was finalized during senior BJP leader Amit Shah’s recent visit to Somnath. Barad was originally from BJP. He had left BJP with Shankersinh Vaghela in late 1990s and later joined Congress with Shankersinh. Barad was earlier elected from Talala assembly seat Junagadh district. Junagadh’s present MP Dinu Bogha Solanki is in jail in murder case. He is also from Karadia Rajput community. Karadia Rajput and Ahir are two major communities dominating politics of Junagadh Lok Sabha seat. Kolis and Muslims are other factors.

Jashabhai has been Chairman of Junagadh district bank and Junagadh Kheti bank. He has been Gujarat Congress’s vice president.

Updates in evening:

Jashabhai today met Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar. He later went to Gujarat BJP headquarters. He was offered saffron scarf of BJP by RC Faldu in presence of Vijay Rupani.

“I have been elected Rajput community’s president two years back. Vajubhai Vala is Trustee of same organization. I will visit all districts of Saurashtra to ensure maximum votes for BJP when Narendra Modi is PM candidate. I have fought four elections and won three. I have no expectation for party ticket or post. The party may decide my role,” Barad told media.

Others too join BJP

Former minister Bachubhai Sondarva, Lakshmanbhai Parmar and former MLA Kalabhai Jhala have also joined BJP with Jashabhai Barad.

Speaking on this occassion Gujarat BJP president Shri RC Faldu said, after Vitthal Radadia, Bharat Keshubhai Patel, Bavku Udhad and now Jashabhai Barad has joined BJP. This has given further strength to BJP in Saurashtra.