Renomination of sitting Valsad MP K C Patel by the BJP in Gujarat has created a rift between himself and his younger brother D C Patel, who is a ticket aspirant from the same seat.
DC Patel has hinted that he might consider contesting from Congress if given a ticket.
"I am upset because the party has chosen my brother K C Patel. Not just me, the entire tribal population of Valsad is unhappy, as they were confident that the BJP will choose me this time. People are very disappointed because I was the top contender and yet denied ticket," said Dr DC Patel, who claims to be with the ruling BJP since the Jan Sangh days.
Valsad constituency in south Gujarat is reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
D C Patel was given ticket by the BJP in 2009 general elections, but he lost to his opponent from Congress by a narrow margin of around 7,000 votes.
In 2014 elections, the party fielded K C Patel who defeated Congress' Kishanbhai Patel.
"I am a committed worker of BJP. When I was contesting in 2009, my brother worked hard to ensure my defeat. Since I am not given a ticket this time, I have decided to remain inactive and will not take part in campaigning. I do not understand what compelled the BJP in giving ticket to my brother, who is already embroiled in several controversies," said D C Patel.
The disgruntled BJP leader also hinted at fighting the polls on a Congress ticket.
The Opposition party is yet to announce its nominee.
"If the Congress offers me a ticket, I will take a decision after consulting my supporters and people. I will not approach Congress. But, I will think about their offer if they approach me," he added.
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