Hardik Patel under fire after Congress rout in Patidar strongholds

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat Congress working president, Hardik Patel, is facing severe criticism after the Congress’s rout in Patidar-dominant areas in municipal corporation elections across Gujarat.

Patel, who founded the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), joined the Congress and was appointed working president in July last year. A number of PAAS leaders joined the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the recent months, enabling it to win an impressive 27seats in

Surat Municipal Corporation

election. The Congress failed to win a single seat even though Hardik Patel campaigned extensively in Surat, along with the other five municipal corporation areas.

After joining Congress, Hardik distanced himself completely from PAAS and Surat-based Alpesh Kathiria emerged as PAAS leader. In the run-upto

SMC

election, PAAS members had openly threatened Congress leaders against campaigning in their areas. Hardik is now facing fire from within the Congress for the party’s dismal performance in the election.