The controversy around Parshottam Rupala’s remark and his apology afterwards, is not a first instance when it comes to Gujarat politics. Big names before him, have had a ‘slip of tongue’ in search of pleasing an audience, and then had to seek forgiveness from the ones they have offended.

Lok Sabha candidate Parshottam Rupala, at a public event, commented on the history of the Rajput community, setting off a series of heated caste-based politics, apologies, and even a hunger strike. However, before this, two of Gujarat’s former chief ministers and other leaders have been embroiled in a similar controversy.

State’s former chief minister Vijay Rupani had made a derogatory comment on the Prajapati Samaj during his campaign for the Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. The community leaders then rallied with banners over it. Similar to the Rupala protests, a programme was also organised by the women of Prajapati Samaj.

Charan Gadhvi Samaj was offended by Giga Bhammar a few months back when he uttered derogatory words about the community. The issue was protested by Charan Ghadi Samaj leaders and artists, leading to an apology by Giga Bhammar’s son in view of the issue.

Former chief minister Nitin Patel used unconstitutional words while addressing a public meeting in Morbi in 2020 while paying tribute to the Kanodia brothers. After Nitin Patel’s statement, the Dalit Samaj launched a protest and demanded an action against him.

A similar mistake was made by BJP’s current state president CR Patil at an event, when he was talking about  deities Krishna and Subhadra. He rectified the mistake during the programme, apologised over phone, and also promised to go to Dwarkadhish temple to offer his apology. 

Vajubhai Vala, the former speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and former governor, was summoned by the social leaders during an election campaign in Rapar, during which he allegedly chanted derogatory and insulting words to a caste. However, no action has been taken against him yet.

Also read:

Backlash against Rupala prevails in Gujarat, complaint filed in Rajkot, Unjha

Rupala Controversy: Padminiba on hunger strike, Karni Sena on offensive