Vaghela sacks 2 of rival camp

The meeting of the ‘‘original Congress’’ at the house of Leader of Opposition Amarsinh Chaudhary last week cost two of h...

The meeting of the ‘‘original Congress’’ at the house of Leader of Opposition Amarsinh Chaudhary last week cost two of his supporters their jobs.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress chief Shankersinh Vaghela today dismissed spokesperson Hasmukhbhai Patel and office secretary Balubhai Patel, who had attended Chaudhary’s meeting, from their posts. Hasmukhbhai had resigned as spokesperson a year ago but had been put on hold. Balubhai, however, continues to hold his other post of GPCC vice-president. The dismissals were followed by a resignation, from Seva Dal chief Pramukh Patel.

The ‘‘original Congress’’ had demanded the ouster of Vaghela as GPCC chief and also the disbanding of his Shakti Dal, also known as Danda Sena. The meeting was also attended by senior party leaders Urmilaben Patel and Narhari Amin. The rebel Madhavsinh Solanki faction, however, had skipped the meet.

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Vaghela, on his part, described the meeting as an ‘‘open rebellion against party president Sonia Gandhi’’. Chaudhary dismissed the charges. ‘‘The meeting of senior party leaders at my official residence was informal. Neither Hasmukhbhai nor Balubhai uttered anything that could attract disciplinary action.’’

Chaudhary will convene an emergency meeting of senior party leaders on Tuesday to decide on the course of action. ‘‘After that, we will fax a letter to AICC president Sonia Gandhi, apprising her of the state of affairs in the state unit,’’ Chaudhary said.

Hasmukhbhai said there was no question of his being stripped of the post: ‘‘I had already resigned after the party’s poll debacle last year.’’ He will, however,

attend Tuesday’s meeting

if invited.

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