The rift between Gujarat minister of state for animal husbandry Purshottam Solanki and his MLA brother Hira Solanki was today out in the open as the former criticised his brother for protesting the denial of ministerial berth.
In the recent expansion of the cabinet, Chief Minister Anandi Patel made Purshottam Solanki, who belongs to the Koli community, a minister of state.
"We are brothers, both BJP MLAs. BJP gave me the chance and I have become a minister for the fourth time. Hiralal wanted to become a minister but he did not get a berth. Is it right (on his part) to lead a protest? This is not reasonable," said Purshottam Solanki, who represents Bhavnagar in the Assembly.
Hira Solanki, Purushottam's younger brother and MLA from Rajula, has announced a grand rally of Koli community at Bagodara in Bavla tehsil of Ahmedabad district tomorrow against "injustice" done to the community.
"Hiralal now remembers the community. What was he doing for 17 years? He was with BJP. He tried his best (to get a ministerial berth) for six months. The state government did not give him anything, so should he take such steps?" Purshottam said, talking to media.
"I do not know who has encouraged him... Congress people or BJP people... Hira should understand this."
Hira Solanki, on the other hand, contended that his community, which constitutes 24 per cent of the state's population, should have gotten more ministerial berths.
Hira has also written to the BJP president Amit Shah, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top party leaders over the issue.
"Shamjibhai Chauhan was made parliamentary secretary while Purshottambhai has been given animal husbandry. Koli community cannot be content (only) with this," he said.
