Guj CM placates Solanki with assurance of 'better' portfolio

In a related-development, supporters of another BJP MLA, Jetha Bharwad, sought that he be made a minister in the state government. However, the legislator clarified that he did not make any such demand. Earlier, Solanki, who was unhappy over the allocation of portfolios in the new BJP government in Gujarat, had skipped the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Demanding that "good" departments be allocated to their leader, Solanki's supporters, led by his brother and former BJP MLA Hira Solanki, gathered at the minister's residence at Gandhinagar yesterday.

However, Solanki on Thursday said that the chief minister has assured that justice will be done to him.

"The chief minister called me yesterday after the Koli community members gathered at my residence. During the meeting, Rupani assured that I will be given a better department when the next cabinet expansion takes place after one-and-a-half months, that is after the Assembly session," he told reporters in Gandhinagar.

"Though there was no discussion about any specific department, the meeting was very positive as the chief minister assured that justice will be done to me," Solanki said.

He also thanked the Koli community for standing firmly behind him. "The Kolis are always with the party and we all will work together for the party," the BJP leader said.

The disgruntled Koli leader yesterday said his community feels that he should be given some more portfolios.

He claimed that despite being a five-time MLA, he was ignored by the leadership while several "juniors" have been given "good portfolios".