A day before the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections, a top PAAS leader came out in the open against the Hardik Patel-led organisation slamming its tilt towards the Congress.
A convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, Patidar Dinesh Bambhania held a press conference in Gandhinagar to level allegations against PAAS, including the claim that the recent sex videos purportedly showing Hardik Patel could not all be morphed.
While Bambhania, considered a 'shadow' of Hardik, initially said that he had quit from all PAAS posts, he later clarified that he did not resign and that he would make his stand clear after the elections. Bambhania is the fourth leader to quit Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti.
"Neither was I convinced nor agreed to the reservation formula offered by the Congress. It is deceptive. I therefore, resign from all PAAS posts. I would continue my struggle for reservation for the Patel community," he told mediapersons before doing a U-turn.
Bambhania also raked up the sex clips allegedly involving Hardik Patel. "Only one video can be morphed. It is not possible that all the released videos could have been morphed."
Despite his opposition to the Congress formula, the PAAS leader said, he had no plans to switch side. "I'm not going to join BJP like our former colleagues did. My commitment for my community will always be my priority."
An hour later, Bambhania released another press communique saying he was very much a part of PAAS. "I would not make any appeal to voters of Gujarat for any party but I will clear my stand only after the polls are over."
Hardik Patel did not comment on the development, but PAAS spokesperson and convener from Surat, Alpesh Kathiriya, said Bambhania's utterances could have been driven by some rich businessmen or a BJP heavyweight.
Kathiriya said, "He should have made these statements with his senses. I would say that when polls are to be held the next day, people should not take stand following the statements of any PAAS leader but should remember the struggle of the Patel community in past three years."
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