Mehta, who formally resigned from the primary membership of the party, sent his resignation to Gujarat BJP president Purshottam Rupala on Saturday.

While announcing his resignation, Mehta said that he had dedicated 50 years of his life to help build the party. “I am quitting the house (BJP) that I help build into a palace, because it is no more suited for my stay,” lamented Mehta. “Moreover, when I saw that the entire party was surrendering before one person (Narendra Modi) then I thought it was best to quit,” the former Gujarat Chief Minsiter remarked.

When asked what his next step would be, Mehta quipped, “I will continue to campaign in this election to prevent Chief Minister Narendra Modi from returning to power.” Mehta also attacked Narendra Modi and BJP leader L K Advani for the destruction of democracy within the party.