Hardik Patel's aide Nikhil Savani quits BJP after levelling bribery charge against party

Nikhil Savani, along with two other Patidar leaders, had joined BJP just two days ago. He said that he is likely to return to Hardik Patel's side after quitting the party.

His move  came just hours after another Patidar leader Narendra Patel had held a press conference, where he displayed wads of notes which were allegedly offered to him by BJP.

Savani said he was "pained and upset" by these claims.

"I joined BJP because the government had done good things in the past. But the party is now offering money to people to join them. I am upset by these revelations," Savani said.

According to media reports, Savani is likely to meet Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who is in Ahmedabad to address a rally.

Earlier,  Narendra Patel had alleged that he was offered Rs 1 crore in cash to join the BJP.

Patel, a close aide of Hardik Patel, the face of the agitating Patidars in Gujarat, is the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

He said he had taken the money as he wanted to expose the BJP and Varun Patel of engaging in malpractices.

"Varun Patel made a Rs. 1 crore-deal with the BJP for me. He gave 10 lakh rupees in advance. They are going to be give me Rs. 90 lakh rupees tomorrow but even if they give me the entire Reserve Bank of India they will not be able to buy me," Patel told the media.

However, trashing all allegations against him, Varun Patel said: "Instead of 10 lakhs, Narendra Patel should have taken the entire 1 crore rupees he claims he was offered and then done the press conference. Why did he just take 10 lakhs, is he that crazy?"