Rajkot (Gujarat) Rajkot (Gujarat) 14 : Congress party’s sitting MLA from Dhoraji Lalit Vasoya on Sunday attended a community event, in which he shared the dais with BJP MLA sitting Jayesh Radadiya as well as BJP MP from Porbandar Ramesh Dhaduk.As speculation increased that he might be jumping boat, Vasoya remained noncommittal and declared that he “was with the Congress party for all time”.
Following the recent crossing-voting in the Presidential elections, in which Congress MLAs from six states have voted for the NDA candidate, rumors have been circulating that six of the MLAs might soon or later become members of the BJP.
In contrast when speaking in the local media, Vasoya said, “I don’t want to declare that I’m with the Congress for ever, but if I provide you with as a quote or a soundbite you’ll use it against me just like you did with Hardik Patel.The day I make any decision, I will be made public to everyone.”
He told us, “When a bride and couple get married, they make promises to each other that they will remain together for the remainder of their lives.Sometimes they also get divorced due to any reason.”
A community gathering which Vasoya was a part of on Sunday.he was the sole Congress leader on stage, the rest were BJP leaders.Local Congress officials were not there in the ceremony, according to an official from the party.
Just four days before, Congress’ Saurashtra zone Ramkishan Ojha had told the media in Rajkot, “Party’s 6 MLAs are in contact with the BJP the ruling party.It is utilizing power in a way that is threatening to sabotage the Congress leadership and inducing the MLAs with large-scale promises.The party will reach out to these MLAs and attempt to convince them to quit the party.”
In addition to Vasoya in addition, the remaining five MLAs who are making the rounds, are likely to leave the party before the elections, Chirag Kalariya (Jamjodhpur constituency), Sanjay Solanki (Jambusar), Mahesh Patel (Palanpur) Harsad Ribadiya (Visavadar) and Bhavesh Katara from the Jhalod constituency.
Vasoya is a member of the Patidar community and was associated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) and is believed to be one of Hardik Patel’s close friends.A few months ago , the Congress elected Vasoya as its deputy whip.
Congress Working president Lalit Kagathra is confident that Vasoya will not leave however, his activities and frequent attendance at functions in which BJP members from state or local levels are in attendance, was sending out different signals.
haresh/dpb
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