Ahmedabad, April 10: In a big set back for AICC president Rahul Gandhi just a day ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, Gujarat MLA Alpesh Thakor has quit Congress, said his close aide Dhaval Jhala to Times of India on Wednesday morning. Last month, the leader had refuted the speculations that he would be joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by saying that he will work for Thakor community and continue his fight while staying in Congress.

Thakor also indicated that he would not be contesting 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "I will stay in the Congress and will continue to support the party. I want respect and rights for my people," Thakor said. 'Expel Alpesh Thakor For Fanning Violence in Gujarat Against UP, Bihar Migrants': BJP Demands Rahul Gandhi.

According to reports, Alpesh Thakor's Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor is not happy with the Congress party and wants the leader to join the Saffron party or contest election as an independent candidate. GKT is allegedly miffed with Congress for not considering Alpesh Thakor for the ticket in the polls.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday is holding multiple rallies in Gujarat ahead of national polls.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 10, 2019 11:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).