Hardik Patel on Friday met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. After the meeting, Patidar quota agitation leader described Banerjee as “lady Gandhi”. He also said that the West Bengal chief minister has invited him to join the Trinamool Congress in Gujarat. While talking to media, Hardik said that he will keep the offer in mind, reported the Indian Express. However, he said that he will campaign for Trinamool in Bengal during the Lok Sabha polls next year. “I met Mamata Banerjee to take her blessings. I have not seen Gandhiji (Mahatma Gandhi), I only read about him in books. But after seeing Mamata Banerjee, I felt I met lady Gandhi. She said I should join politics and follow the people’s mandate,” said Hardik.

Mamata, on the other hand, described Hardik as her younger brother and said that he is very good, political and very sensitive. She was quoted as saying, “It was a good meeting. He is just like my younger brother. He is very good, very political and very sensitive. He is fighting for the people of Gujarat. I wished him all the best for his future. I requested him to join politics because people take policy decision after joining politics. It will be right choice for him if he joins politics.”

Hardik said that after Indira Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee is the only leader in our country who has achieved political milestones after years of struggle. “I have invited her to come to Gujarat and give inspiration to our women. Together, we will create a better India. She told me that doors of her party are open for me if I ever wish to join a party. I told her that I will definitely keep her offer in mind whenever I decide to join politics,” he added.

While talking about anti-BJP platform in the country, Hardik stressed on the fact that the Congress and Trinamool should come together to make it possible. “I have assured her that I will come to Bengal in 2019 to campaign for her party… Some forces are trying to divide the country. I will work hard to unite all those who will fight against forces that are trying to divide the country. Today, among Opposition parties, Congress and Trinamool Congress are big. If didi and Congress come together along with other parties, then it is good for them and the country,” he said.