Ahmedabad:

After ruling BJP in Gujarat, main opposition Congress in Gujarat is now feeling the heat of caste politics and more especially of ‘Koli power’.

Even as the said dissident attitude of minister of dominant Koli community Parshottam Solanki, who want more portfolios to his kitty, has put the BJP high command in trouble, another strong leader of the same community four time MLA and former MP Kuwarji Babaria has now created a difficult situation for Congress.

In fact Babaria and his supporters had put a strong pressure on Congress high command for his selection as the next leader of the party’s legislature party. While Babaria, who was here today to participate in the legislature party meet, has said that his seniority should not be overlooked by the party. Around half of the population in Gujarat of OBC of which Kolis were 27%. This fact must be kept in mind. He, however, added that he would abide by the decision of the high command. It is understood that the party would have too find a way to appease the Koli community if Babaria is not given the chance.

His supporter Ishwar Bharadia in a tone of warning said that if Babaria was ignored by the party, it would have to pay the price in Koli dominant Saurashtra in the coming elections including that of 2019 Loksabha polls.

It is learnt that the names of Patidar MLA Paresh Dhanani, tribal leader Mohansinh Rathwa, who was the leader of opposition last time around, and former MP Vikram Madam were doing the rounds for the coveted post.

Dhanani, who was understood to be the front runner for the post today told newsmen here that whoever was selected leader of the legislature party would lead the team Congress to put a check on the corruption and fear mongering of BJP government in the house. Vikram Madam said that he would put forth his candidature as senior leader who has support of at least 27 MLAs. He also said that he would abide by the final decision of the high command like a disciplined party worker. Rathwa on the other hand claimed that there was no issue in selection of the leader.

Congress meanwhile today started the exercise to choose the leader of legislature party who would be the leader of opposition in the Gujarat assembly, a post which has cabinet minister rank status technically. Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi today said that the 2 day meeting of all the newly elected 77 MLAs of the party (legislature party) started at the party’s state headquarter here in Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Paldi area this afternoon.

Gujarat In-charge of the party and AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot and former union minister Jitendra Singh, who has been appointed the observer for the election of the leader of the legislature party were participating in the meeting, he said.

Before the start of the meeting Jitendra Singh said that he and Gehlot would take the opinion of all the MLAs. Gehlot on the other hand said that the whole process would be held in amicable atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Congress state president and former union minister Bharatsinh Solanki said that the duo of central leaders would take the opinion of all the newly elected MLA’s and then discuss it with the high command before announcing the name.

Congress has increased the number of its seats from 61 of last time to 77 this time around and it also has four supporters, taking its total strength in 182 member assembly to 81 which practically would make the new leader of opposition a much more powerful figure in the house than the last one.

DeshGujarat