Gandhinagar: Congress chief whip in Gujarat Assembly Mr. Balwantsinh Rajput and Viramgam MLA Dr. Tejshriben Patel today handed over their resignation from the post of Member of Legislative Assembly(MLA) to Speaker Ramanlal Vora in Gandhinagar.

There’s buzz that Balwantsinh may contest as independent candidate in Rajya Sabha election in order to defeat Congress candidate Ahmed Patel. Tomorrow is the last date of filing nomination for Rajya Sabha election.

Balwantsinh is father in low of Shankersinh Vaghela’s grandson.

Balwantsinh in his short conversation with media persons after his resignation said: I have been working with Congress for last 35 years. I was sad for last some time. I was doubted because of my relation(with Shankersinh Vaghela) and other things. I will continue to serve the voters of my constituency Siddhpur whom I have been serving for last 35 years.

Tejshriben said: I have been working with Congress party for last 25 years. I have made representations regarding injustice with Patidars and their agitation before the party leaders from top to bottom in hierarchy, but party is not giving thought. Siddharth Patel and other leader are of opinion that Congress should give important posts to Patidars to bring them to their fold. Congress is facing infighting which is so intense that I feel, I am facing injustice in party. For last six months I was absolutely upset. There was conspiracy going on for not giving me party ticket and to defeat me. Alpesh Thakor was sharing stage with me when he said he would decide who would contest from Congress party(in Viramgam).

In 182 member Gujarat assembly, BJP along with one dissident (elected on GPP ticket Nalin Kotadia) has 122 members, Congress 55 (including Vahgela who has not resigned yet and his son Mahendrasinh and many other supporters), NCP 2 and JD U 1.

For a win Ahmed Patel needed support of at least 47 MLAs.

If Rajput file the paper as a BJP candidate or Independent with BJP support, the scene will be very interesting. The Congress is already feeling the heat of cross voting of its 11 MLA’s in presidential election.

DeshGujarat