BJP MP Mitesh Patel accused of threatening to block grants if Congress wins seats

With local self-government elections approaching, a fresh controversy has emerged in Anand district after BJP MP Mitesh Patel allegedly warned that development grants would be withheld if Congress candidates win seats in Anklav.

Alleged threat made at public gathering

According to reports, Patel made the remarks from a public stage during a BJP event in Anklav, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. He is alleged to have said that if the Congress wins even a single seat, he would not allow development grants to be approved.

The statement comes at a time when campaigning has remained relatively subdued, with political observers noting a lack of strong local issues driving voter engagement in the run-up to the polls.

Congress hits back over ‘taxpayers’ money’

Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi criticised the remarks, stressing that public funds cannot be controlled by individual leaders or political parties.

“Development funds are not given from a politician’s personal pocket but come from taxpayers’ money meant for public welfare,” Doshi said. “Government grants do not belong to any political party.”

Concerns over democratic norms

The remarks have triggered concern among political observers and opposition leaders, who argue that such statements undermine democratic principles by linking public welfare funds to electoral outcomes.

Critics have also questioned the lack of action from the State Election Commission so far, with some calling for intervention over what they describe as a violation of the spirit of free and fair elections.

Call for probe and action

The Congress has demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the matter and urged the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Patel.

Past controversies resurface

The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of earlier allegations involving Patel. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an alleged obscene video linked to him circulated widely on social media, prompting public debate. The issue reportedly required clarification from Patel before party leadership.

Despite the episode, he was fielded as a candidate, with reports attributing the decision to his political connections with influential business figures.