Shankersinh Vaghela’s resignation under pressure, says Ashok Gehlot

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has said that Shankersinh Vaghela resigned from the party under pressure.

Gehlot accused the NDA government of trying to scare Congress leaders using CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“The same was the case with Vaghela,” Gehlot alleged, adding Congress would stand by Vaghela if NDA government, prime minister or Amit Shah tried to blackmail him.

Gehlot, however, also criticized Vaghela for making unreasonable demands from the party “just months before elections”.

“Vaghela wanted that he be declared party’s CM candidate. He wanted that president of Gujarat Congress be changed, and thirdly, a major say in ticket allocation,” he said.

The former Rajasthan CM also said that Vaghela was not invited to the party MLAs’ meeting as he has quit the party on his own volition. Vaghela’s son Mahendrasinh, also an MLA, was invited.

At the Gujarat Congress Executive Committee meeting, the party resolved to stand with traders until their GST related issues are resolved. A resolution demanding resurvey in land mapping was also adopted.

Ahmed Patel to file nomination at 11:30 today

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel will file his nomination for the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections at 11:30 am on Wednesday. Patel met with party MLAs after reaching the city on Tuesday evening. He is expected to be accompanied by top party leaders when he files his nomination.