Gujarat Congress Working President Ambarish Der Quits Party, Set to Join BJP

Gandhinagar: In a significant blow to the Congress ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Gujarat Congress working president Ambarish Der announced his resignation from the party on Monday. Der stated his intention to join the ruling BJP, with the official switch expected on Tuesday.

This decision followed Der’s suspension by the Congress disciplinary committee for alleged “anti-party activities,” as announced by Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil. Notably, Gohil’s announcement came shortly after visuals aired of Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil visiting Der’s residence.

Der, a former MLA, cited the Congress leaders’ refusal to visit the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya as the main reason for his departure. He emphasized that a political party should not behave like an NGO and must respect everyone’s beliefs.

The 46-year-old politician expressed his intent to join the BJP without any expectations, denying that any promises were made to him by the ruling party. Speculations were rife regarding his potential candidacy for the Rajula seat bypoll, although Der claimed to be unaware of such possibilities.

Der, who represented the Rajula seat from 2017 to 2022, had previously worked extensively for the BJP in his youth.