We'Ll Form Govt, Says Gujarat Bjp Rebel

Parikh claimed that at present, strength of MJP in the state assembly, kept in suspended animation following imposition of President's rule on September 19, was 40. He said two more BJP MLAs had informed him yesterday that they were willing to join the MJP.

Three BJP MLAs, along with 25 of the 28 MJP MLAs, had attended the MJP meeting in Gandhinagar on Thursday, he said.

The other three MJP MLAs could not attend the meeting as they were busy with campaigning for by-elections in the two assembly constituencies of Dharampur and Nadiad and the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, Parikh said.

The meeting was convened by the MGP leader, Vithalbhai Shah, to discuss the strategy of the party to form new ministry in the state.

, was attended by 10 of the 18 MLAs, who had signed the memorandum submitted to the governor, Krishanpal Singh, on August 18.

These MLAs had been forcefully kept in BJP by the dismissed Chief Minister, Suresh Mehta, Parikh alleged.

The strength of mjp legislature party would increase as many BJP MLAs are keen to join it in an effort to form a new ministry in the state as early as possible, Parikh said.

Parikh was on his way to Nadiad to address an election meeting along with Shah.

Shah said we are definite about forming the new ministry in Gujarat, as Congress would give us outside support. Moreover, more BJP MLAs may join us.

Earlier, expelled BJP leader, Shankarsinh Vaghela said the new MJP ministry, led by Parikh, would be formed before Diwali.

Asked what would be his role if the governor asked Parikh to form the ministry, Vaghela said ministry formation is a long drawn process and any question on it needed to be answered in detail.