Congress MLA Kirit patel cancels resignation, Patan politics stabilises

Congress MLA Kirit patel cancels resignation, Patan politics stabilises

The political tension in Patan has eased after MLA Kirit Patel has now taken a political U-turn and decided to postpone his resignation from the post of party whip. This decision supposedly came after a meeting and phone conversation with the party high command.

Talks with the High Command

According to reports, Kirit Patel had a detailed discussions with senior party leaders. After receiving assurances about the issues he had raised, he has decided to continue in his role. 

Talking to the media, he said, “My aim was not to weaken the party or use this as a pressure tactic. After positive discussions with the high command, I have decided to stay in the interest of the party.”

Earlier, Patel had announced his resignation at 3 pm. He was upset over certain party decisions, especially the reappointment of Jayaben Shah as president of the Patan District Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha. Patel was unhappy that this decision was made without consulting local leaders and MLAs.

He clarified that he has no personal objection against Shah. His concern was that ignoring local leaders goes against party discipline. “If the Congress is to be strengthened, factionalism should be removed, and the views of workers and MLAs should be considered,” he said.

On Monday, angry workers raised slogans against Jignesh Mevani and openly vented their resentment over appointment of Shah, to which Patel had extended his support. They claimed that prior representations were made to Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, SC Morcha state president Hitendra Pithadiya and local MLAs, but were ignored. As a result, workers intensified their protest and directly targeted Mevani.