Gujarat CM's resignation was long overdue: Congress

Congress today said the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was "overdue" and accused the BJP leadership of trying to protect her in spite of "growing unrest" among Dalits and the Patidar community over her handling of issues related to them.

All India Congress Committee General Secretary, in-charge of Gujarat, Gurudas Kamat also said if she is made a Governor of any state or accommodated into the Union cabinet, then it will amount to rubbing salt to the wounds of Dalits and the Patidar community.

Patel today offered to resign, requesting the BJP leadership to relieve her from the post as she is soon going to be 75.

BJP President Amit Shah said he will place her letter before Parliamentary Board which will take the final decision.

"Anandiben Patel's resignation was long overdue. The BJP leadership tried to protect her for several months in spite of growing unrest among the Dalits for the atrocities, the brutal manner of handling against the Patidar community and also the massive corruption.

"It would be like rubbing salt to their wounds if she is taken in the Union Cabinet or appointed as Governor," Kamat said.

The state has been witnessing agitation by the Patidar community to fulfil their quota demand while Dalits are up in arms after seven of the members were flogged by a group at Una for skinning a dead cow.