Fresh row hits Hardik, as former aide claims meeting with Rahul, Vadra

Ahmedabad, Dec 13: In a fresh controversy hitting Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) Hardik Patil and his alleged 'secret nexus' with Congress party, one of his former aides Dinesh Bambhania claimed that the Patidar leader had met Congress President-elect Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti as well as his brother-in-law Robert Vadra.

“Hardik met Rahul at least on three occasions, and once with Vadra in Delhi. His meeting with Rahul in Ahmedabad lasted for 48 minutes. Hardik confessed before PAAS core committee that he made a mistake meeting Rahul, Vadra," he said here on Tuesday.
The controversy has again assumed significance after Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti has allegedly declined to answer questions on Congress formula on Patidar reservation at a press conference here and instead allowed his party colleague Bharatsinh Solanki answer the same.
Mr Bambhania said that Hardik Patel has been “misleading” core members of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti about his “secret meeting” with Rahul Gandhi at a five star hotel here in October.
“Hardik met Rahul at least on three occasions, and once with Vadra in Delhi. His meeting with Rahul in Ahmedabad lasted for 48 minutes. Hardik confessed before PAAS core committee that he made a mistake meeting Rahul, Vadra.” Hardik Patel had earlier said, “I had gone to the hotel where Rahul Gandhi was staying, but I went to meet Ashok Gehlot".
In another claim, Mr Bambhania also alleged that Sharad Pawar-led NCP had paid PAAS Rs 81 lakh to hold a public rally in Botad in March.
“The rally could not take place so the core committee decided to return money to NCP or distribute it among families of slain Patidars.” UNI