Over 500 Patels join Cong in Aravalli

PALANPUR: Ahead of civic body polls the Congress has managed to poach about 500 Patels from Jeetpur village of Bayad Taluka in Aravalli on Saturday. Over 500 Patidars pledged their loyalties to Congress on Saturday in presence of Bayad MLA Mahendrasinh Vaghela, who is son of Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly, Shanakarsinh Vaghela.
Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel's lawyer B M Mangukiya, his father Bharat Patel and several other PAAS members remained present at the event held in the main square in the village.Hardik is facing sediction charges and is in custody of Ahmedabad crime branch.
Welcoming the Patidars, MLA Bayad Mahendrasinh Vaghela said, "We look forward to many others to take the right decision and join Congress."
Hardik's father said that he was overwhelmed to see so many people coming out in support of his son.
According to Dahyabhai Patel, chairman of Jeetpur Seva Sahakari Mandli, "Several other villages will also follow join Congress."
Meanwhile, police stopped Patidars from organising Dayra (folk music programme) in Kansa village of Visnagar taluka in Mehsana on Saturday. The event was part of Sardar Patel Jayanti celebrations. Deputy superintendent of police R D Barnda said since no permission was sought, organisers were not allowed to continue with the programme.