Hardik Patel takes on Alpesh Thakor: He couldn't handle power given by Congress

Patidar leader, who recently joined Congress, Hardik Patel on Saturday attacked MLA Alpesh Thakor and said that his party gave a lot of respect and power to him which the latter could not handle.

"Congress party had given so much respect and power but he could not handle it. He started playing blame games," Mr Patel told ANI.

Alpesh Thakor joined Congress in 2017, ahead of Gujarat assembly polls, announced his resignation from all party post after 18 months on Wednesday evening.

Hardik Patel further alleged that the saffron party tried hard to stop him from contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am accepting the decision of the High Court. BJP lawyers tried their best so that I could not contest the ongoing elections. Congress wanted to take me to the Parliament. I am a 25-year-old young man and many elections will come in the future," he said.

However, the Supreme Court has had declined urgent hearing on Patel's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in Patidar riot case.

The Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who led the Patidar agitation in 2015 claimed that his community is happy with his decision of joining Congress.

"There are a huge number of Patidars who like me and my leadership. Patidar community is happy with my decision of joining the Congress. I believe they will support me and will help in fighting this battle."