Vijay Rupani slams Hardik Patel for spreading resignation rumours; terms it Congress' attempt to stay in media eye

Patidar reservation agitation leader Hardik Patel on Friday sparked a controversy after he told reporters that in an ‘Anandiben Patel type incident’, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has been asked to resign during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

"In 10 days the resignation will be accepted. I believe someone from 'Kshatriya' or 'Patidar' community will be the next CM," the 24-year-old quota agitation spearhead went on to claim further.

Meanwhile, rubbishing those spreading rumours, Rupani on Friday lashed out at Patel saying the Patidar leader is spreading lies for staying in "media's eye".

"For staying in media's eye, he (Hardik) has now started spreading such lies. I am not sure whether he knows the system or not but no chief minister submits the resignation in the cabinet. The CM has to submit his or her resignation to the Raj Bhavan (governor)," Rupani was quoted as saying.

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"Such lies are being spread by Congress agents like (Hardik) to destabilize the government. I have not resigned and there is no question of it either. The public has given us the opportunity to serve for five more years and we will do it with full energy," the Gujarat CM stated further.

Terming it the handiwork of the BJP's opponents, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said, "Our chief minister has not resigned. No such development took place yesterday. These all are false and baseless rumours being spread by the BJP's opponents to stir controversies. But, we (BJP leaders) will always remain together despite such rumours."

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