BJP Loses Stronghold: Former Leader Defects to Congress Ahead of Local Body Elections

Kodinar: The political scene in Gir Somnath district has witnessed a major upheaval ahead of the local body elections. There is alarming news for the ruling party from Sidhaj village of Kodinar taluka, which is a stronghold of the BJP. Former BJP parliamentary secretary and tall leader Jethabhai Solanki openly called for the victory of the Congress by breaking away from the party. There are signs of a drastic change in political equations. Sunil Rathod, a former sarpanch and former taluka panchayat member, who was a BJP loyalist for years, broke away from the BJP with his supporters at a massive Congress meeting held in the village. Sunil Rathod is not only a political leader but also dominates the area as a trustee of Ranawala Hospital and a director of a sugar mill. His move has been met with great enthusiasm in the Congress camp with Jethabhai Solanki giving public support. During this meeting, Congress district president Pooja Vansh declared Sunil Rathod as a candidate for the Vadnagar district panchayat seat and gave a direct fight to the BJP.