Dissident activity within the Gujarat unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party gained momentum on Tuesday with some members of legislative assembly from the anti-Narendra Modi camp visiting the house of former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, a known Modi-baiter, sources in the rebel camp said in Ahmedabad.
"A few rebel MLAs and some members of Parliament have visited him and a few more are expected to meet Patel, who recently returned from the US with his ailing wife. They would enquire about her health and also appraise him about the recent developments in the party during his absence," the sources said.
Meanwhile, senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia also visited Patel's house early this morning and "enquired" about the health of Patel's wife Leelaben. However, Togadia denied speaking to Patel about the ongoing rebellion within the Gujarat BJP.
"I visited them (Patels) only to enquire about Leelaben's health as I am a well-wisher of the family for many years," Togadia told PTI.
The MLAs meetings with Patel assume significance in the wake of a show cause notice issued to Gordhan Zadafiya, Patel's close aide, two weeks ago for defying the party openly and refusing a cabinet berth when Chief Minister Narendra Modi expanded his ministry, incidentally in the absence of Patel.
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