The anti-Kshatriya comments made by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala has put the BJP in an embarrassing situation in Gujarat with Rajputs up in arms against the Party. The Kshatriyas are demanding the withdrawal of Rupala’s candidature. However, the BJP is in a soup because if they yield to the demand and drop Rupala from Rajkot, similar demands of candidature withdrawal may become all the more pronounced in Vadodara, Sabarkantha and Anand Loksabha seats. To put an end to the controversy, sources claim that PM Narendra Modi has decided to intervene in the issue. To douse the fire, sources say PM Modi will visit Rajkot and address a public meeting on April 22.
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.
Those in know of the issue say that PM Modi has realised that the Gujarat unit of BJP headed by C R Paatil has failed in curbing the controversy. PM Modi and Home Minister Shah have not only intervened but PM Modi is likely to come to Rajkot in Saurashtra on April 22. His presence in Rajkot, the place where he contested his first election in 2002, is likely to put a full stop on the controversy.
As a part of this exercise, sources say that several royals who had earlier spoken out against Rupala are now asking Kshatriyas to forgive him. Rupala has already apologised at least thrice for his mistake. The erstwhile ruler of Jamnagar, Jamsaheb Shatrusalyasinhji Jadeja has urged Kshatriyas to forgive Rupala and move forward, just 24 hours after he criticised Rupala. This change of stance, observers claim, is because of PM Modi scheduling a visit to Rajkot.
Mandhatasinh Jadeja of the Rajkot royal lineage has already taken a conciliatory approach acknowledging Rupala’s multiple apologies and efforts to mend fences, including seeking forgiveness from the revered Lal Bapu, a respected figure within the community.
Mandhatasinh’s call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue underscores the complexities of navigating historical sensitivities and modern political dynamics.
Adding to the narrative, Kesridevsinh Jhala of the Wankaner Royal family witnessed Rupala’s attempt to atone publicly for his remarks.
Rupala stoked a controversy on March 22 after he said at a Dalit event that the erstwhile ‘maharajas’ broke bread with the British and also married off their daughters to them. The statement invited the wrath of various Kshatriya organisations.
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