Gujarat Assembly election 2017: Won't join Congress, says Jignesh Mevani

The leader and convener of the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, Jignesh Mevani, on 2 November said he would not join any political party in the upcoming Gujarat elections, including the Congress.

Speaking to the media here, Mevani said, "I won't join any political party in the 2017 elections, including the Congress."

He, however, added if Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi or any other party leader decides to hold talks with him to discuss the demands made by the Dalit group, he was ready to meet.

"But it will not be to get a ticket to contest in the elections," Mevani said.

Mevani further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Gujarat of being arrogant and ignoring the matters of the Dalit in the state in its 22-year-long rule.

Meanwhile, the 14th legislative assembly elections in Gujarat are to be held by the end of 2017 as the term of 13th assembly ends on 22 January 2018.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is heading his party's poll campaign in Gujarat.

The last Congress Government in Gujarat was led by Chhabildas Mehta from 17 February 1994 to 13 March 1995. 

-ANI