The build-up to the Lok Sabha election has not been the way Gujarat BJP may have imagined at all. The dissatisfaction among the party members and some of the leaders has been rising, despite the best efforts, the turmoil seems to be slipping out of hand.

In the north, the change of Sabarkantha Lok Sabha candidate has not worked at all. Bhikhaji Thakor, who backed out over the controversy over his surname, was replaced by Shobhna Baraiya. However, the change of candidate did not translate to a change in fate, as the supporters of Thakor created a ruckus at the party office when Baraiya entered the office.

The situation reached a point where Baraiya had to leave from the back door.

At Modasa Kamalam, Thakor’s supporters chanted ‘Bhikhaji nahi to BJP ne vote nahi’ (No Bhikhaji, No vote to BJP). Police had to be deployed here, considering the agitation.

After the change of candidate in Sabarkantha, anger has flared up among BJP workers in cities including Meghraj, Malpur, Talod, and Idar. The controversy that started on the day of Holi is refusing to calm down.

Offending communities

On the other hand, MLA Raman Vora faced the heat for insulting a tribal woman, flaring up the tribal community. A demand for an apology was raised, and considering the sensitivity of the situation, police were deployed at Vora’s residence.

The state and local leaders of the party are running posts to pillars to douse the fire in the state BJP.

This is, however, not the first incident of a BJP name offending a community. Cabinet minister Parshottam Rupala is already facing the wrath of the Kshatriya community for his disturbing remarks in public against the community.

Two complaints have been filed against him, and various community meetings of Kshatriyas have been held, making things worse for Rupala.

If the tides are not turned promptly, the Rupala controversy may cost the BJP a significant amount of votes during the Lok Sabha and bye elections in the state.

Cryptic dissent

Amreli MP Naran Kachhadia, who did not make it to the list of candidates from Gujarat, also seemed upset with the party.

In his social media, Kachhadia quoted the Bhagavad Gita, “When there is a battle between truth and falsehood, truth will stand alone while the army of falsehood will be large. A bunch of fools will be behind the lie. But in the end, truth will win.”

He also shared a video with a caption reading, “Even if someone cheats you, keep smiling.”

Notably, the Amreli candidature was given to Bharat Sutaria.

Also read:

Pre-election chaos in Gujarat BJP: dissatisfied voices go loud

Congress candidate in Panchmahal, BJP candidate in Valsad face dissent