Congress MLA Harshad Ribadiya resigns ahead of Gujarat polls; likely to join BJP

Just ahe of Gujarat elections, Congress MLA and Patidar community leer Harsh Ribiya resigned from Assembly membership on Tuesday.

opposition legislator submitted his resignation to Speaker Nimaben Acharya, who has accepted it, an official release from state Assembly said.

“Member of Legislative Assembly from Visavar in Junagh district Harsh Ribiya submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker late on Tuesday,” release said.

“ Speaker accepted Ribiya's resignation after she was convinced that he has resigned on his own and without any pressure,” it furr said.

Ribiya, a Patidar community leer, was elected from predominantly Patel community seat in 2017 on a Congress ticket.

2017 Assembly elections were held in backdrop of Patidar quota agitation and members of Patel community in Saurashtra region h largely voted for Congress to express ir anger against ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Ribiya, in last four-and-a-half years, h been a vocal critic of BJP government.

BJP sources said he is likely to join ruling party soon.

Ribiya was t available for comments.

Gujarat Assembly elections are scheduled to be held by year-end.