Lok Sabha 2024: Caste issues dominate election narratives in Gujarat
The ruling party in power, BJP, are on the defensive with the Kshatriya Community against Union Minister Parshottam Rupala for comments against kings at an event organised by the Valmiki community on March 22. The minister remarked that the kings had bowed before the foriegn tormentors and retained relationships with them, unlike the lower castes. Despite Rupala apologising on many occasions, the controversy has erupting further in the state. To control the agrevating situation, Gujarat BJP President CR Patil had rushed to Rajkot, while Congress turncoat and former MLA from Gondal Jayrajsinh Jadeja held a conciliatory meeting of the community at his house in Gondal on Friday.
Eating a humble pie, Rupala went on to reiterate his apology with “folded hands” and said that while he does not remember withdrawing any of his comment in his entire life, this time his party (BJP) has come under criticism because of him. However, his gesture or the party manoeuvre did precious little to douse the anger of the community. Karni Sena Chief of the state, Raj Shekhawat, on Saturday resigned from BJP’s primary membership calling the meeting at Gondal a BJP sponsored move.
The controversy is likely to have some serious ramifications, according to BJP veterans that have spoken to ET. “On one hand Rupala’s comment may end up consolidating the Patidar votes but on the other, Kshatriya vote bank of the party may end up getting divided across the state,” said a senior veteran of the saffron family.
Sources in Congress maintain that
