By Japan K Pathak, Ahmedabad, 19 November 2014

In any cabinet expansion exercise, a few who get berth do smile, but many others left out stay upset. Some of them express their anger in family, some express their anger and frustration in close circle of key supporters, but such are so hurt that they express their displeasure openly.

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has faced first open revolt from within the party following today’s cabinet expansion. Revolt has been witnessed not from a section of party, but from an individual who claims backing of his community that has strength of 27 MLAs.

Hirabhai Solanki, BJP MLA from coastal Saurashtra, and younger brother of fresh inducted Minister of State Parshottam Solanki has today issued a statement criticizing neglect to Koli community in BJP organization and state cabinet both.

In a statement issued in capacity of president of Koli Sena, Hirabhai Solanki said that Koli community’s population is 24% in Gujarat. While other caste people are allotted departments and positions, why injustice to Koli community?

He said, “such neglect will not be tolerated in any circumstances and in near future, representatives of community will hold meeting.”

“In the past Koli community was enjoying major role in organization. Major portfolios were with Koli community. And today Koli community has been pushed to a corner. The community will give deep reactions,” the statement further said.

Speaking to DeshGujarat, Hirabhai said: “My community has 24% population in Gujarat. Koli community enjoys dominance over 35 assembly seats mainly in Saurashtra and south Gujarat. In past Koli community used to enjoy good share in government and party organization. Late Chimanbhai gave deputy Chief Minister’s post to Koli community. In Keshubhai government, four ministers were from Koli community. And if Koli community continues to suffer injustice. Today they have not inducted any Koli community person to Cabinet rank. My elder brother Parshottambhai has been given Animal Husbandry department. He should be given important department. There are many persons in Koli community who can work in the state in administration. BJP has no Koli community representative at state level. I am president of Koli community, and my community people ask me about this injustice.”

He said, “community leaders will meet in three-four days from district, taluka and state levels.”

When asked, he replied that Koli community has total 27 MLAs, and combined strength of Koli and Thakor community is even bigger.