Just a day after his departure from Congress, veteran leader, Shankersinh Vaghela cleverly avoided revealing his future plans as political corridors in Gandhinagar are now abuzz with speculations over Congress’ next announcement.
AICC secretary and MLA from Amreli, Paresh Dhanani is all said to be elevated as the leader of the Congress legislative party in Gujarat, sources told Newsd. The position was held by Shankersinh Vaghela.
Elevation as CLP leader will make Paresh Dhanani, 41, a serious contender for chief ministership. The young, second-time MLA is considered close to both Ahmed Patel and Rahul Gandhi. As AICC secretary, Dhanani was in-charge of Bihar.
Notably, Gujarat heads to the election for the first time in the last 15 years without Narendra Modi as the CM. The entire Patidar movement and Dalit uprising also put the state government, then led by Anandiben Patel, on a shaky ground.
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“Congress which has performed reasonably well in the local body election in rural areas sees Gujarat 2017 as a now or never situation. Patidars are one of the biggest hope for the Congress. The Hardik Patel agitation followed by removal of a Patidar from CM post in Gujarat has put the state’s most powerful community on the edge” a senior Gujarat-based journalist told Newsd. When Anandiben Patel was removed from Gujarat CMship, it was widely speculated that she will be succeeded by a Patidar. Names of Saurabh Patel and Nitinbhai Patel were in serious reckoning. “Giving mantle to Vijay Rupani also upset some Patels,” he said.
