Click to play videoSurat: It was a function to mark the country's 60th Independence Day in Surat but it ended with a call for freedom from Chief Minister Narendra Modi's rule in Gujarat.
Former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, addressing students at the Gajera Parivaar School, trained his guns on his bete noire. Though he did not name Modi, it was quite clear who Patel was referring to as he went on a tirade against the state government.
“We have got freedom from the British, now we need freedom from those in power. We need freedom from those who are trying to control our minds,” Patel said vehemently.
His salute to the freedom fighters of the country was followed by one to the dissidents suspended by the BJP for raising their voice against the state government.
“I am proud of Dhirubhai Gajera, Gordhan Zadafiya, Bavku Undhad who are free from those in power and this because these men have courage,” Patel said.
Patel's outburst has brought to fore the dissidence within the BJP.
However, the dissent casts a shadow on the party's prospects in the Assembly polls, which will be held later this year.
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