Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja's sister, father join Congress after wife joined BJP

Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja's father Aniruddhsinh and sister Naynaba joined the Congress party on Sunday. Over a month ago, his wife Rivaba had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The father-daughter duo joined the Congress at a function held at Kalavaad in Jamnagar Lok Sabha constituency. Patidar and Congress leader Hardik Patel had addressed the rally in Kalavaad and they wore Congress colour at the hands of Patel.

Naynaba told THE WEEK that for long she was contemplating to join the Congress. She said that the people gave five years to the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, but they have not been able to resolve the issues related to farmers and women.

“I felt that I should do some work for the society and joining a party helps to see that your voice is being heard,” said Naynaba, who manages her younger brother Jadeja's restaurant, Jaddus, in Rajkot.

Asked as to why Rivaba joined the BJP and not the Congress, she said that it was her decision and she did not stop her. “When we talk about women's empowerment, how can you stop someone from joining a particular party,” she remarked.

According to her, Jadeja was neutral about them joining the Congress.

Before joining the BJP, Rivaba had joined the Karni Sena. Apparently, she was also in contention for BJP ticket in the Jamnagar seat. The party, however, repeated sitting MP Poonam Madam.