Rupala controversy

Growing angst among the Kshatriya community in Gujarat against union minister Parshottam Rupala is escalating the difficulties of the state’s BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) faction.

The BJP’s party workers and candidates are facing obstacles in campaigning, resulting in frequent changes in routes and schedules.

In Anand’s Umreth taluka, the BJP faced severe opposition while campaigning, where a large number of Kshatriyas gathered and protested against Rupala and the saffron party.

A group of Kshatriya community members also expressed their outrage near Umereth’s Choravaga temple, where BJP workers had to resort to fleeing the spot.

Placards and fliers opposing Rupala were also put up in Umreth about fifteen days ago. Women of the Rajput community in Umreth had also vowed to vote against the BJP.

Rupala stoked a controversy on Mar 22 after he said at a public event that the erstwhile ‘maharajas’ broke bread with the British and also married off their daughters to them. The statement invited the wrath of various Kshatriya organisations.

However, Rupala has submitted a public apology over his statements. But it failed to dampen the outrage against him.

Kshatriyas outraged in Sabarkantha

North Gujarat’s Sabarkantha Lok Sabha constituency also saw the saffron party facing flak from the Kshatriyas.

Shobhna Baraiya, the BJP’s candidate from Sabarkantha, was opposed heavily by the Kshatriya community while campaigning in Himmatnagar’s Hapa and Dedhrota villages on Apr 23.

Also read:

Battle lines drawn in Rajkot as Cong’s Dhanani steps up to contest against BJP’s Rupala

CR Patil urges Kshatriya community to forgive Rupala

Rupala faces backlash in Gujarat over his remarks on Kshatriya community