Union Minister Parshottam Rupala’s comments regarding the rulers of princely states during British rule have sparked demands for his replacement as the BJP candidate for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat. Kshatriya leaders have announced plans for demonstrations across the state and a rally in Rajkot to protest against Rupala.
On March 22, Rupala remarked that the rulers of princely states submitted to oppressive foreign rulers, adding that some even dined with and had daughters married to the British. Although Rupala apologized, Kshatriya groups rejected it, claiming insincerity.
“We reject his apology because it lacked sincerity. His words may change after the election. If Rupala is not replaced, we will ensure he loses in the polls. Our issue is not with the BJP, which can pick another candidate,” said Virbhadrasinh, a community leader.
Protests over Rupala’s remarks prompted Gujarat BJP Chief C R Patil to rush to Rajkot and Surendranagar, emphasizing that the matter would be resolved within two to three days. These protests are the latest in a series against BJP’s Lok Sabha candidates in Gujarat. Supporters of Bhikhaji Thakor protested against Shobhanaben Bariya’s nomination in Sabarkantha, leading to the cancellation of her meetings in Aravalli.
In Meghraj village, Thakor’s supporters called for a bandh on Tuesday, withdrawing it later after Patil’s intervention. They argued that the BJP was prioritizing outsiders. Shobhanaben’s husband, Mahendrasinh Baraiya, had defected from the Congress to the BJP in 2022.
Thakor had previously announced the withdrawal of his candidature from Sabarkantha amid a controversy over his surname and caste identity. He maintained his Thakor identity and association with the BJP’s Other Backward Class front.
While acknowledging protests against Shobhanaben Bariya, a BJP functionary stated that several other candidates, including Chandu Shihora from Surendranagar and Bharatsinh Dabhi from Patan, faced discontent. Despite this, the party remains confident in Gujarat’s support, with expectations of winning all 26 seats comfortably, largely due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity.
The BJP has denied tickets to over a dozen MPs, including ministers Darshna Jordosh and Mahendra Munjapara. Ranjan Bhatt, renominated for the third time from Vadodara, withdrew her candidacy citing personal reasons after facing criticism. Hemang Joshi replaced her.
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