AHMEDABAD: Hardik Patel, Congress’ frontrunner in Gujarat, is rumoured to join the BJP leaving Congress. He is currently the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president. Hardik Patel’s interview, which was released last day, have paved way for such rumours. He said in the interview that more possibilities are always there. “The problem with the Gujarat Congress party is the leadership. I don't have a problem with any individual leader in Gujarat. The leadership does not let anyone work, and if someone works, they stop them,” he said. What happened to Sachin Pilot in Gujarat is happening in Gujarat as well, he said in the interview. The rumours began to strengthen as the leader praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Hardik Patel had levelled criticisms against the Congress’ state leadership. His main complaint was that even when he was the working president, the party did not inform him anything. Prashant Kishor had made some strong moves to bring Naresh Patel, another leader of the Patel faction, to the Congress. Reports suggest that Hardik started distancing himself from the party soon after learning about Kishor’s moves. However, neither the national, state Congress leadership nor Hardik’s office, have officially responded on the matter. If Hardik Patel leaves, then Congress’ position will worsen in the next assembly polls, pointed out political observers. Lately, various prominent leaders across the country have left Congress to join the BJP, making the Congress’ situation pathetic in most states.

Hardik Patel is one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat’s Patel community. He even shook the BJP during various events including leading the Patel faction's reservation struggle in the assembly polls. If Hardik joins BJP, it will prove to be a great advantage for the party.