Newly appointed state Congress working president Hardik Patel will have to deal with squabbling within the party even as he says that his focus will be to throw the BJP out of power in the 2022 assembly elections. Speaking to TOI’s Kapil Dave, the 26-year-old leader said he will visit all 16,000-odd villages of Gujarat and create a strong base for the party ahead of the next assembly election.
How do you feel on being appointed working president of Gujarat Congress at such a young age?
I am overwhelmed by the respect given to me by the party high command. I understand the responsibility and expectations from the party.
What will be your priority as the working president?
My only priority is to bring Congress to power in the 2022 assembly elections and I am sure Gujarat Congress will ensure it. My immediate priority is winning byelections for the party. We will win six of the eight assembly byelections. Congress will do even better in local bodies elections, compared to the 2015 elections.’’
What will be your action plan for 2022?
I will visit all 16,000 villages of Gujarat before 2022 and create a strong base for the party. We will give a voice to the marginalized sections, farmers and youth.
Will you contest elections in 2022?
I may not be able to contest elections due to false cases filed against me by the BJP government. Hence, I am not focusing on fighting an election but ensuring victory for the party at any cost in 2022.
How will you deal with factionalism in the party and the strong old guard in the state Congress?
I have total clarity. I will have full-cooperation from all senior leaders and work as a strong team. Together we will defeat BJP in Gujarat and nationally.
Will your hardline Patidar community leader image be an asset or an impediment for you?
Earlier I was a social leader. Now I am a political leader. I will be the voice of everyone. I am working for unemployed youth, farmers, women and all who are in need. I do not differentiate on caste or community lines.
How do you feel on being appointed working president of Gujarat Congress at such a young age?
I am overwhelmed by the respect given to me by the party high command. I understand the responsibility and expectations from the party.
What will be your priority as the working president?
My only priority is to bring Congress to power in the 2022 assembly elections and I am sure Gujarat Congress will ensure it. My immediate priority is winning byelections for the party. We will win six of the eight assembly byelections. Congress will do even better in local bodies elections, compared to the 2015 elections.’’
What will be your action plan for 2022?
I will visit all 16,000 villages of Gujarat before 2022 and create a strong base for the party. We will give a voice to the marginalized sections, farmers and youth.
Will you contest elections in 2022?
I may not be able to contest elections due to false cases filed against me by the BJP government. Hence, I am not focusing on fighting an election but ensuring victory for the party at any cost in 2022.
How will you deal with factionalism in the party and the strong old guard in the state Congress?
I have total clarity. I will have full-cooperation from all senior leaders and work as a strong team. Together we will defeat BJP in Gujarat and nationally.
Will your hardline Patidar community leader image be an asset or an impediment for you?
Earlier I was a social leader. Now I am a political leader. I will be the voice of everyone. I am working for unemployed youth, farmers, women and all who are in need. I do not differentiate on caste or community lines.
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