New Delhi: Independent MLA of Vadgam constituency in North Gujarat, Jignesh Mevani today joined the main opposition party Indian National Congress along with CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

Mevani was elected as MLA of Gujarat Assembly in year 2017 general elections from Vadgam constituency in North Gujarat, which is a reserved seat for Scheduled Caste candidates. The seat which has sizeable Muslim population was earlier won by Congress party. However after a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Mevani a novice from left leaning NGO background, filed nomination as independent candidate. Congress had extended him support and stayed away from fielding party candidate against Mevani.

With Gujarat going to general elections again next year, Mevani has joined Congress party and ensured party ticket from Vadgam next year, it is understood.

Addressing the media at Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Mevani said he can’t formally join Congress party today due to technical reason that he is an independent MLA at this juncture, but he will contest the assembly election next year on Congress ticket only and campaign for Congress party. He said he will become member of Congress party later but he is part of Congress party. DeshGujarat