One independent MLA backs BJP govt in Gujarat

The strength of the BJP government in the Gujarat Assembly touched the 100 mark after an Independent MLA extended support.

Ratansinh Rathore, MLA from Lunawada, sent his letter of support to Governor O P Kohli.

Rathore, a Congressman for over two decades, contested from Lunawada after the party fielded Paranjayadityasinhji Parmar.

Rathore was later expelled from the Congress as he had refused to withdraw his nomination.

Rathore won the elections defeating the nearest candidate, BJP's Manojkumar Patel, by a margin of 3200 votes. Rathore got 55,098 votes while Parmar, who came third, got 47,093 votes.

Talks of another Independent candidate, Bhupendrasinh Khant from Morva Hadaf, were doing the rounds. Khant denied having taken such a decision.

A total of three Independent candidates have made it to the Gujarat Assembly in the recently held elections.

The third Independent candidate is Jignesh Mevani, who won from Vadgam with support from the Congress.

Mevani has already said that he is not joining any political party.