PM meets Jam Saheb, Kshatriyas continue stir

Updated: May 3rd, 2024


With campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections picking up pace in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a master stroke by Kshatriyas. However, the Kshatriyas seem unmoved.

The PM’s visit to Gujarat took place amid a backlash from the Kshatriya community. The tension between the BJP and Kshatriyas stemmed from derogatory comments made by the BJP’s Rajkot LS candidate, Parshottam Rupala, against the erstwhile kings.

Modi’s campaigns across Saurashtra, including public meetings in Jamnagar, Surendranagar, and Junagadh on May 2, seem to have turned the tide in the BJP’s favour.

The turban tale

Before his public meeting in Jamnagar, the PM took a detour to meet Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji, who held the title of the last Maharaja of Nawanagar. 

He also shared photos of Shatrusalyasinhji, who adorned  the PM with a halari paghdi (royal turban).

PM wore the same turban throughout his public address in Jamnagar, labelling it as the prasad (holy offering) of Jam Saheb.

During his speech, he talked about erstwhile kings and their contributions to nation-building.

Notably, Rupala, the man behind all the backlash, was not present in any of the PM’s campaigns in Saurashtra.

Kshatriyas firm in protest

Despite the PM’s campaigns in Gujarat, the Kshatriya community continued to seek the removalof Rupala from the Rajkot seat and the BJP from the state, according to the leaders of Rajput Sankalan Samiti.

The Kshatriya leaders said, “Our stand from the start is that we are not opposed to the BJP, but our opposition is to Rupala and cancellation of his ticket.he movement against the BJP has started on its own. The situation is such that any single leader cannot stop the protest.”

As per earlier reports, the Asmita Mahasammelan of Kshatriyas, which was scheduled for May 2, was postponed to May 3 (today) in Jamnagar due to PM Modi’s public meeting.

Also read:

PM Modi to kickstart electoral campaign in Guj amidst rising Kshatriya unrest

Rupala controversy: Kshatriyas hold Mahasammelan in Bardoli

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