Jasdan by-poll: Vaghela says he will back whoever Cong fields

Former Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela on Thursday extended "open support" to the opposition party against BJP's Kunvarji Bavaliya for December 20 Jasdan Assembly by-election in Gujarat.

Vaghela, who severed ties with the Congress last year, said he will back whoever the party fields.

Earlier Thursday, the Election Commission announced that by-election will be conducted at Jasdan on December 20 and counting of votes will be held on December 23.

The Congress has not yet announced its candidate for the election, necessitated after sitting MLA Kunvarji Bavaliya resigned.

"I extend my open support to the Congress candidate. No matter whom the party selects, I will support him. If needed, I will hold public rallies in Jasdan against BJP and its candidate," Vaghela told reporters here.

Vaghela also said he has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the country to ensure BJP's defeat in next year's general elections.

The former chief minister, who was once with the BJP, said he will share his future plans at a function in Gandhinagar on November 24.

Bavaliya, a five-time Congress MLA and influential Koli leader, resigned from the party and as a legislator on July 2.

On the same day, he was inducted as a cabinet minister in the BJP government in the state. He was alloted portfolios of water supply, animal husbandry and rural housing.

To continue as a minister, he has to get elected to the Assembly within six months of assuming the office.