War of words intensifies as Gujarat civic poll campaign picks up

Campaigning for the local body elections in Gujarat has gathered momentum, but political rhetoric appears to have taken centre stage, with leaders across parties accused of sidelining key civic issues in favour of provocative statements.

Following the announcement of candidates, major political parties have intensified their campaigns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put in place senior leaders and star campaigners, while the Congress is yet to mount a visible statewide campaign. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), meanwhile, has largely focused its efforts on select constituencies, including Surat.

Amid this backdrop, controversial remarks by BJP leaders have sparked political debate. Former minister and MLA Kumar Kanani drew criticism after making a sharp retort to an AAP worker during a campaign interaction in Surat, leading to a heated exchange and further fuelling local political tensions.

In a separate incident in Amreli district, Kokilaben Kakadia, wife of Dhari-Bagasara MLA J V Kakadia, courted controversy after making remarks while praising the government’s work during a nomination-related event. Her statement drew criticism from local residents, who questioned its tone and intent.

In Rajkot, BJP MLA Mahendra Padaliya claimed at a public event that the party had fielded candidates on behalf of the Congress in certain instances, a statement that triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders.

The AAP has alleged that the BJP and Congress are tacitly working together in the state, a claim rejected by Congress leaders. Former Congress MLA Lalit Vasoya dismissed the BJP leader’s remarks, terming them inappropriate.