Thousands of Kshatriyas from across the country gathered at Ratanpar on the outskirts of Rajkot and resolved to intensify their fight demanding that the BJP withdraws Union Minister Parshottam Rupala as the Lok Sabha candidate.
No compromise at the cost of self-respect, community leaders asserted one after another at the meeting organised by the Rajput Institutions’ Coordination Committee.
It must be noted that Parshottam Rupala in a function on March 22 said Rajah-Maharajahs broke bread with the Britishers and married off their daughters to the Vidharmis. This has sparked a row which has now gathered national attention and Kshatriyas are protesting across the country.
Gohilwad Rajput Samaj President Vasudevsinh Gohil, Rajput Samaj Coordinating Committee Chairman Govubha Dada, Core Committee Spokesperson Karan Singh Chavda, Coordination Committee Gujarat State President Triptiba Raul, Karni Sena National President Mahipalsinh Makrana, and Virbhadrasinh were present at the convention.
Importance of community
Karan Singh Chavda stressed the importance of community over individual interests, mentioning the ability to withdraw a decision (a filled form) as a metaphor for political accountability. He criticised the BJP leadership, demanding respect for the Rajput community’s concerns and ending with a warning that sets a deadline.
Mahipalsinh Makrana demonstrated symbolic unity by using mobile lights during his speech, reaffirming Rajput pride and issuing a challenge to authority, indicating a stance of resilience against the police and administrative systems.
Pratapbhai of Kathi Samaj, voiced dissatisfaction with political representation and candidate selection, suggesting that local leaders should be recognised rather than outsiders. He also invoked historical narratives to underline community endurance and resilience.
Padminiba Vala highlighted the strength and unity of the Kshatriya community, advocating for resistance against perceived injustices in political candidacies. She used vivid imagery and familial references to inspire solidarity and assertiveness.
Ramjubha Jadeja reflected on the community’s struggles and the recent significant gathering as a transformative resurgence, akin to an earthquake. He called for vigilance against superficial reconciliations and emphasized the community’s autonomy in decision-making.
Vasudevsinh Gohil celebrated the unity and historical pride of the Rajput community. He called for maintaining cultural integrity and opposing any political moves that threaten their societal values.
Large number of women
The community meeting saw an impressive attendance of women as well. According to Mahendrasinh Jadeja of the Sankalan Samiti, today’s meeting saw attendance from all over Gujarat, besides Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Truptiba Raol, president of Gujarat Rajput Samaj Institutions Coordinating Committee, while addressing the meeting, said, “There is never a compromise with self-respect. A big question of society is being ignored. Why can’t a candidate be changed if he comments on a community? Continuing him sends the message that anyone can make derogatory comments on anyone to garner votes.”
Ashwinsinh Sarvaiya, Palitana State and Rajput Vidhya Sabha President said, “Without invitation, Kshatriyas have rushed in lakhs. That too at a short notice of just 48 hours. I understand the sentiments of my community. Today, BJP does not understand why Rupala used controversial words about Rajput mothers and daughters. The whole society is on one side and still one person is not being replaced. If BJP thinks they can win 400 seats with this attitude, let me tell you that, BJP must withdraw Rupala and give ticket to a Rajput. You will win 500 seats, he roared.
“This is a fight for identity. This is a movement for self-respect. Our movement is against what Rupala said. Not against the BJP,” he said.
A Kshatriya leader said l,300 buses and 4,600 cars were used to ferry community members to the spot. More than 400 policemen were deployed for security. Kshatriyas comprise around 17% of the population in Gujarat.
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