During a small gathering in Rajkot on March 22, Parshottam Rupala made remarks about the historical interactions of ‘maharajas’ with foreign rulers and the British. These comments were perceived as insulting by members of the Rajput community, leading to protests and calls for the BJP to withdraw Rupala’s candidature.
Despite the tension, experts believe that this issue is not indicative of a larger conflict between Patidars and Rajputs. The Rajput leaders are specifically against Parshottam Rupala, and there is no widespread animosity towards the Patidar community as a whole. They note that in the past, the two communities had been rivals, but under BJP rule, these rivalries have largely dissipated.
Analysts suggest that the impact of the Rajput community’s stance on the elections may be minimal, considering the urban makeup of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat and the lack of a strong Congress candidate. They point out that the unity of the Hindu vote bank, which has been strengthened under BJP rule, is likely to outweigh any caste-based issues in this election.
Parshottam Rupala has since apologized twice for his remarks, seeking forgiveness from the Rajput community. Some Rajput leaders have accepted his apology, while others continue to demand his replacement. However, experts believe that this incident is unlikely to revive the old caste fault lines between Patidars and Rajputs, which had caused significant tensions in the past.
]]>However, Rajkot BJP leaders have dismissed these claims, stating that they are mere rumors. Raju Dhruv, spokesperson of the Rajkot BJP, firmly denied any speculation regarding Kundariya potentially replacing Rupala on the Rajkot seat, emphasizing that Rupala is actively engaging with BJP leaders in Rajkot. Another BJP leader, Ram Mokaria, supported Dhruv’s stance, reiterating that the circulating rumors lack substance.
The controversy surrounding Rupala escalated after his attempt to offer a public apology in the presence of Kshatriya leaders under the leadership of Rajendrasinh Jadeja. However, the Karni Sena criticized Rupala’s apology for not including all factions of the Kshatriya community. The uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidature reflects the growing discontent within the Kshatriya community and the potential repercussions it may have on the upcoming elections. As Rupala navigates through the challenges posed by internal dissent, the political landscape in Rajkot remains dynamic.
The speculation regarding Kundariya’s potential candidacy adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. With his credentials as a former Union MoS for Agriculture and a seasoned politician with local roots, Kundariya emerges as a viable alternative amidst the uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidacy. As the BJP grapples with internal tensions and strives to maintain unity ahead of the elections, the fate of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat hangs in the balance. Whether Rupala retains his candidacy or if Kundariya emerges as the frontrunner, the ensuing developments are poised to shape the political trajectory of Rajkot in the coming days.
]]>Along with this, BJP has released the fourth episode titled ‘Ghamandiya Files’ from its social media handle Twitter. In this chapter, BJP has targeted the ruling TMC in West Bengal and wrote, ‘Winning elections in Bengal under the rule of TMC. How democracy is being torn to pieces, Mamata Banerjee’s activists have spread fear from village to village through attacks, murders and rapes.
Importantly, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi has attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for sharing Rahul Gandhi’s Ravana poster. He said that the BJP has become nervous and is therefore cornering Rahul Gandhi by issuing such statements and posters. BJP is upset with INDIA Alliance and wants to break INDIA Alliance with such statements but it will not happen. There is no greater devotee of Shiva than Rahul Gandhi.
]]>When asked about the upcoming special session scheduled from September 18 to 22, Gandhi expressed his views, stating, “In my view, this could be an indicator of a degree of apprehension. It’s reminiscent of the kind of unease that emerged when I addressed the parliament previously—a situation that led to the abrupt revocation of my parliamentary membership.”
During a press conference held alongside the Indian Nationalist Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) gathering in Mumbai, Gandhi also drew attention to the resurgent Adani controversy, which gained renewed attention with fresh revelations on August 31. He remarked, “So, I see this as a manifestation of concern, as these matters directly pertain to the prime minister. Whenever the Adani issue is touched upon, it seems to make the prime minister notably uneasy and anxious.”
Earlier, Pralhad Joshi, the minister for parliamentary affairs, shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), “A special session of Parliament (the 13th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha and the 261st Session of the Rajya Sabha) is scheduled from September 18 to 22, comprising five sittings. In the auspicious time, we anticipate productive discussions and debates in the Parliament.”
However, no official information has been provided regarding the session’s agenda. The session is set to occur shortly after the G20 Summit in the national capital on September 9–10. Joshi accompanied his statement with an image of both the old and new parliament buildings, which were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. The previous monsoon session of Parliament was held in the older building.
The announcement of this special session has caught the political sphere by surprise, particularly as political parties are gearing up for assembly elections in five states later this year. Traditionally, the winter session of Parliament commences in the final week of November.”
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