Ahmed Patel is widely been regarded as one of the most influential men in the Congress, but prefers to keep away from the limelight.
However, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s continuous attack on the part, more so its first family, has forced Patel to take up the battle on behalf of the beleaguered party and most importantly Sonia Gandhi.
“He is politically targeting Congress president and Rahul (Gandhi) because he wants to hide his gross administrative failures. We will expose him,” pointed out Patel when asked about the Narendra Modi.
It is worthwhile pointing out that Patel has been extensively canvassing for the party, from South Gujarat to far west Kutch.
Patel is of the opinion that Modi has lost his nerves due to the realization of the fact that his support has vanished and the going is far tricky for him in this assembly election.
“The fact that he attacked me and called me the chief ministerial aspirant indicates that Modi is nervous. He realises that the ground has slipped beneath his feet,” he said.
Congress lacks big face in Gujarat. Patel is the most powerful party leader but he has not taken part in an election since 1989.
Patel was elected three times to the Lok Sabha from Ankleshwar – in 1977, 1980 and 1984. But after his defeat in 1989, he was shifted to the Rajya Sabha. And at present his hands are full as the chief fire-fighter of the Congress president.
