Congress trying to divide Gujarat: Nitin Patel

Invoking the KHAM theory propounded by former Congress government in Gujarat, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today alleged that the opposition party has once again taken that path to create a rift between various communities to gain power.

Commenting on today's rally by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi here today, Nitin Patel claimed that there was no mention about Patidars or any other non-reserved classes in any of the speeches delivered by Gandhi or any of the local Congress leaders, which according to him, hints at the repetition of KHAM theory.

KHAM stands for Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslim.

This theory was introduced by former Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki in the 80s to create a loyal vote bank for the Congress.
 

However, it is said that the theory backfired as it ignored the decisive vote-bank of Patidars in Gujarat.

"During today's programme, no Congress leader uttered a word about Patidars or any other general castes. Even Rahul Gandhi did not say anything about the Patels. All the leaders just stressed on SCs, STs, OBCs and Muslims. This is akin to their KHAM theory, introduced by Madhavsinh Solanki," Patel told reporters here today.

"Due to that KHAM theory, Gujarat witnessed several riots and agitation. It had diluted the peaceful atmosphere of the state. Now, after hearing today's speeches, I believe that Congress wants to tread that path again, as they want to gain power by dividing the society," he alleged.

At the rally, OBC leader leader Alpesh Thakor today joined the Congress in presence of Rahul Gandhi ahead of the state assembly polls.

Taking a dig at Thakor's induction, Patel claimed that Congress would not hesitate to join hands with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed to win the election.

"If Congress feels that they can win the Assembly polls in Gujarat by joining hands with Pakistan based terrorists, like Hafiz Saeed or any other such terrorists, they would send them invitation without any hesitation," said Patel.