Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Files Nomination Papers Amid Kshatriya Controversy

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, vying for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat on the BJP ticket, has intensified his campaign efforts amidst controversy surrounding his remarks, expressing confidence in garnering substantial support from the Kshatriya community on May 7th. Rupala, who recently faced backlash from the Kshatriya community, led a massive rally in Rajkot during the filing of his nomination papers on Tuesday, accompanied by former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and other senior BJP leaders.

Amidst chants and fervor, Rupala began his campaign day by paying obeisance at the Jagannath Temple on Yagnik Road, followed by a grand procession to Bahumali Bhavan Chowk where he formally submitted his nomination papers. Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, Rupala extended gratitude to Kshatriya community leaders present and appealed for their wholehearted support towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections.

Vijay Rupani, endorsing Rupala's candidacy, highlighted the extensive participation of BJP leaders and workers during the nomination filing ceremony and emphasized ongoing negotiations with the Kshatriya community in Gandhinagar. He expressed optimism that the community would prioritize the nation's interests while making their electoral decisions.

Rupani dismissed concerns over Congress candidate Paresh Dhanani, representing the Leuva Patel community, pitted against Rupala,  asserting that the electorate's unwavering support would secure another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rupala's campaign has been embroiled in controversy following his contentious remarks, which drew criticism from the Kshatriya community. However, his strategic outreach efforts, including the grand rally and endorsements from senior party members, highlight his determination to consolidate support ahead of the crucial polling day.

The Rajkot Lok Sabha seat has emerged as a battleground, witnessing intense political maneuvering and rivalries as candidates vie for supremacy in one of Gujarat's key constituencies. With both the BJP and Congress deploying formidable strategies and rallying diverse support bases, the electoral landscape promises to be fiercely competitive.

As the election date draws nearer, all eyes are on the Kshatriya community's response to Rupala's overtures and the broader dynamics shaping voter sentiment in Rajkot. The outcome of this electoral contest not only holds significance for the political fortunes of individual candidates but also bears implications for the broader political landscape in Gujarat and beyond.

Published on: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 02:07 PM IST