Ahead of Gujarat Assembly elections, a Congress-led Grand Alliance is in the making to take on Modi

New Delhi, October 18, 2017 | UPDATED 11:04 IST

Ahead of the crucial Assembly election in Gujarat, a grand alliance seems to be in the making to take on Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rebel Janata Dal (United) leader Chhotu Vasava, Patidar leader Hardik Patel, OBC leader Alpesh Thakor and Dalit campaigner Jignesh Mevani are in talks with the Gujarat Congress to form an alliance against the BJP before the elections in the state.

“Yes, talks are on and we are seeing how an alliance can take shape. It will certainly have an impact on seat sharing too,” a senior Gujarat Congress leader told India Today.

Chottubhai Vasava, who voted for Congress’ Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat, will be meeting Congress general secretary in-charge of Gujarat Ashok Gehlot and Gujarat Congress president Bharat Solanki to hold discussions on seat-sharing formula.

Vasava, a prominent tribal leader, has been the face of JD(U) in Gujarat. Sharad Yadav-led JD(U) faction last month appointed Vasava as its acting president. Sharad Yadav is keeping a close watch on the developments in Gujarat from Delhi.

Ashok Gehlot and Bharat Solanki are working on the grand alliance which will be finalised during Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s next visit to Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to travel to south of Gujarat in the first week of November.

In his previous two visits to Gujarat in the last few weeks, a large number of Patidars, OBCs (Other Backward Class) and Dalits were seen at Rahul Gandhi’s rallies.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ahead-of-gujarat-elections-congress-led-grand-alliance-to-take-on-narendra-modi/1/1070875.html