Narendra Patel releases purported audio clip "proving" BJP's bribery
Patidar leader Narendra Patel, who accused BJP of trying to "buy" him, has circulated a purported telephonic conversation with BJP's Varun Patel. Varun is purportedly heard saying Narendra will get 60% of the promised amount after BJP's press conference, and the rest at a function the next day. Yesterday, a court ordered an inquiry into Narendra's corruption complaint against the BJP.
Patidar Narendra Patel: Was offered Rs. 1cr to join BJP
Hours after Patidar leader Narendra Patel announced his decision to join BJP, in a late-night press conference, he changed his tunes and alleged that he was offered Rs. 1cr for switching to the BJP. Narendra made these claims after Hardik Patel's key aides Varun Patel and Reshma Patel joined the BJP on Saturday. Was this a Patidar sting operation on the BJP? Know more!
Nikhil Sawani, former Hardik-aide-turned-BJP, jumps out of BJP's wagon
In another explosive claim, Nikhil Sawani, a former Hardik aide who shifted to the BJP having been assured of "good decisions" by the party has also quit BJP. He said, "I heard about Rs. 1 crore offer by BJP to Narendra Patel, I'm upset. Leaving BJP today." He also congratulated Narendra for this tough decision and claimed BJP is buying out Patidars.
Congress invites Hardik and causes fissures in Patidar ranks
Earlier, state Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki invited quota spearhead Hardik to join hands with Congress. He also promised an additional 20% reservation to economically backward classes in the state if Congress comes to power in Gujarat. Following this, Varun and Reshma, Hardik-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti's (PAAS) prominent leaders announced their decision to join the BJP, claiming that Hardik had become a "Congress agent."
What did Varun Patel and Reshma Patel have to say?
Varun and Reshma, who remained critical of the BJP during the Patidar agitation, joined BJP after a meeting with Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. They said the Patidar agitation was about getting reservation under OBC quota, and "not uprooting the BJP and bringing Congress to power." They claimed BJP always supported Patidars and accepted majority of their demands, whereas Congress is only using Patels for votes.
Narendra Patel joins BJP in media presence
Narendra, PAAS' convener, had last month lodged a complaint against Hardik Patel and his three supporters in North Gujarat's Patan but had later withdrawn it. On Sunday evening, he joined the BJP in the presence of senior leaders and was welcomed with a saffron scarf.
Now, Narendra claims he was paid Rs. 10L advance
Narendra alleged that Varun, who recently joined BJP, took him to meet BJP state president Jitubhai Vaghani. He claimed he was "handed a bag of Rs. 10L cash as token" and "promised Rs. 90L" the next day after attending a party function. About BJP's press conference, he said it happened in "hurry" as the media was immediately called and an announcement was made.
What made him change his mind?
Within some hours, Narendra apparently had a change of heart. He held a press conference and spreading out wads of Rs. 500 notes worth Rs. 10L, he claimed this was BJP's advance. He said he doesn't want the "corrupt" money and he joined politics for Patidars' welfare and not for money. He said even if BJP offers the entire RBI, he won't be bought over.
Meanwhile, Hardik may not join Congress
Meanwhile, about his aides joining BJP, Hardik had tweeted, "The centipede runs even after losing its legs!! The people are with me. I will run as long as they are with me." He denied joining any party but said the fight for the community's rights will continue. He called both Congress and BJP "cousin brothers," such that BJP is "big thief" and Congress "thief."
