Cong tries to win back Unjha MLA Patel who resigned last week

Apparently rattled by sudden resignation of party MLA Asha Patel last week, the Congress in Gujarat is now trying to convince the angry leader to withdraw her decision, fearing that she might join the ruling BJP.

The Unjha MLA resigned as a member of the Assembly and also from party membership last Saturday claiming "infighting".

Congress leaders Monday said Patel has asked for some time to reply on their request to return to the party fold.

"Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani and I spoke with Asha Patel and asked her to take back her resignation, as per the instruction of the Central leadership," Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor told reporters.

"She has asked for some time to give her reply," he said.

Thakor said they listened to Patel's grievances during their meeting and also delivered a message from the party leadership. "Action will be taken on her grievances," Thakor said.

Congress leaders are hopeful that Patel will return to the party fold, sources said.

In her letter