BJP dissidents ready to shake hands with Congress

New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) BJP dissidents in Gujarat, spearheading a campaign for the ouster of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, said here today that they were ready to shake hands with the Congress to relieve the people of Mr Modi's 'dictatorship'.

Former Gujarat Home Minister Govardhan Jhadpadia, along with other dissidents, met former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel at his residence here.

Later, they told newspersons that they were keeping all the options open, including aligning with the Congress or cooperating with the Third Front, to defeat Mr Modi at the hustings. Gujarat is going to the polls in December.

The rebel leaders said they were in touch with many parties and groups and would take a final decision in a couple of days.

Asked why Mr Patel was not coming out openly in their support, they said he was giving them ''margdarshan'' (showing way) regularly.

''Whether he comes in our support or not it does not matter. But we are satisfied with his 'margdarshan','' they added.

Former Union Minister Vallabhbhai Katheria, who accompanied the leaders in the meeting, said he was fully supported the rebel BJP leaders and they would take some decision in a few days.

Meanwhile, BJP General secretary, in charge of Gujarat, Arun Jaitley once again appealed to all dissident leaders to stand united under the leadership of Mr Modi and ensure his victory in the coming elections. He said the party might take action against them if they continued their activities.

UNI