Give Respect To My People

RADHANPUR MLA Alpesh Thakor is a crucial figure in Gujarat politics.

- Nandini Oza

He represents the sizeable OBC community, and the membership in his organisations—the Kshatriya Thakor Sena and OBC SC ST Ekta Manch—runs into lakhs. Ever since he joined the Congress, ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections in 2017, he has remained in the news over alleged differences with the grand old party.

On April 10, he quit the Congress, a day after the Kshatriya Thakor Sena asked him to do so, citing lack of respect for him and the members of the organisation. He also alleged that tickets were sold. With less than a fortnight left before Gujarat goes to the polls, the development was a major jolt for the Congress, as it lost the foot soldiers of the Kshatriya Thakor Sena. The OBC leader said that he was not resigning as MLA. Thakor added that he would not campaign for or against any party, but would work for the Kshatriya Thakor Sena candidates in Banaskantha Lok Sabha constituency and the assembly byelection in Unjha.

Speaking to THE WEEK in the last week of March, Thakor discussed his agenda, vision for the society, the issues with the Congress and why he refused to join the BJP in the past. Edited excerpts:

What are your problems with the Congress?

People for whom I have come [into politics] should get representation in the system. They have been fighting for their rights, but until they get into the system, they will not be able to do anything. My demand is: give respect to them and proper representation depending upon their skills. Alpesh Thakor will speak up when he finds this lacking.

What made you decide against joining the BJP in the past? Did you get any reassurance from the Congress?

No, I did not get any reassurance from the Congress.