Rebel leader Shankersinh Vaghela on Tuesday twisted the knife by commenting he hadn’t voted for Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha election.
“When Congress is not winning, what was the point in voting for Ahmed Patel? I haven’t voted for Ahmed Patel,” quoted ANI.
Jab Cong jeetne waali hai hi nahi, vote bina matlab Cong ko dene ka matlab nahi tha. Humne Ahmed Patel ko vote nahi diya:Shankersinh Vaghela pic.twitter.com/LoQZES57K3
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2017
Ahmed Patel, the political advisor of Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, is seeking a fifth Rajya Sabha term but his chances of re-election are bleak, predicted Vaghela.
The veteran, who delivered the first blow to the Congress by exiting the party in July, said, “He doesn’t stand a chance, won’t even cross 40… Even legislators currently with Congress will not vote for him,”
The Congress has 51 legislators in the Gujarat assembly, including Vaghela, who remains a legislator. The Congress has ordered all its legislators to vote for Ahmed Patel, warning that defiance will attract career-altering penalty. But at least six of these 51 are known loyalists of Vaghela, believed to be the author of the Congress rebellion. He was upset that the party had refused to project him as chief minister when elections are held in Gujarat later this year.
Congress leader, Digvijaya Singh also appealed to him in a series of tweets.
My fervent appeal to Bapu Shankar Singh ji Vaghela as an individual and his brother who hosted him in Khajuraho before he became CM.
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) August 8, 2017
Don't forget what Congress has done for you. You are a Rajput. Please ensure Ahmed Bhai's victory. He has been our friend and supporter.
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) August 8, 2017
Don't forget what Congress has done for you. You are a Rajput. Please ensure Ahmed Bhai's victory. He has been our friend and supporter.
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) August 8, 2017
