"Before withdrawing my candidature, I discussed it with the party leadership, including state Congress in-charge Gurudas Kamat, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and other senior leaders," Ravat told PTI.
"Though I was elected through primary which was the pet project of Rahul, I am withdrawing from the fray as equations are changed after Modi chose Vadodara as the second Lok sabha seat to contest from," the city unit president said.
Ravat was considered a political greenhorn and some sections within Congress had demanded his replacement. However, Congress remained firm on its choice until tonight when the party leadership announced Madhusudan Mistry, a close aide of Rahul, as challenger to Modi from the constituency.