Not joining BJP, says Alpesh

AHMEDABAD: Congress MLA from Gujarat, Alpesh Thakor Saturday dismissed reports that he would switch over to the BJP.

The OBC leader also indicated against contesting upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After meeting top Congress leaders in Delhi, the Radhanpur MLA told reporters here that the speculation that he might join the BJP was not true. “I am now very clear that I have to fight for my people. So I will stay with Congress and will continue to support this party. I want respect and rights for my people,” Thakor said, adding that he would continue to fight for the poor, jobless youngsters, farmers, and OBC, SC and ST communities.

On speculation about possible entry to the BJP for a ministerial position, Thakor said he was “neither sold nor greedy”. “Had I been greedy, I would have joined the Congress six months ago,” he said. Thakor admitted that though he was not happy with Gujarat Congress leadership the matter has been resolved now.

GUJARAT CM RUPANI EXPANDS CABINET

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani Saturday expanded his cabinet by inducting three members, including Congress turncoat Jawahar Chavda, who was rewarded with a ministerial berth a day after he joined the BJP.

BJP MLA from Manjalpur of Vadodara district Yogesh Patel and Jamnagar West MLA Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who had crossed over from Congress, were the other two members inducted into the cabinet.