Gohil slams BJP for Kshatriya divide
Shaktisinh Gohil, President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of exacerbating divisions within the Kshatriya community through their arrogance. Reacting vehemently to the growing resentment among Kshatriyas towards Parshottam Rupala, Gohil condemned Rupala's recent remarks, asserting that mere apologies cannot absolve the gravity of his offences.
Gohil's critique centred on Rupala's controversial statements concerning the Kshatriya royals and his divisive remarks, which have deeply offended both the Kshatriya and Dalit communities. He asserted that political parties, particularly the BJP, bear a responsibility in ensuring the integrity of public discourse, advocating for the immediate cancellation of Rupala's candidacy for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of actively fostering societal rifts out of sheer arrogance, citing instances where Kshatriya leaders were allegedly coerced into endorsing Rupala at the BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar. Moreover, Gohil highlighted instances of police intervention during peaceful protests by Kshatriya members, including the detention of Karni Sena leader Raj Shekhawat at Ahmedabad airport, where his turban was reportedly removed by the authorities.
Gohil talked about the organic nature of the Kshatriya community's mobilisation, dismissing assertions that the movement was orchestrated by a select few leaders. He warned the BJP against underestimating the depth of resentment within the Kshatriya community, asserting that forgiveness for Rupala's transgressions was unlikely.
The Congress leader's remarks come amid escalating tensions between the BJP and the Kshatriya community, with the latter expressing discontent over Rupala's candidacy and demanding accountability for his disparaging comments. The fallout from these developments has ignited broader concerns regarding social cohesion and political accountability in Gujarat's electoral landscape.