Posted by Rajkot: Trouble has mounted for Union minister Parshottam Rupala over his alleged remarks against the erstwhile princely states’ rulers with the latest blow coming from the State Election Commission, Gujarat as it asked the Rajkot election officer to probe and file a report on the issue.
The Kshatriya community in Gujarat escalated its protest against Rupala on Thursday over his March 24 remarks that the “Rajput Maharajas had traded roti-beti with the British while the Rukhi community (Dalit) had neither converted nor converted despite the repression”.
Rupala’s statement had sparked outrage in the Rajput community, even though he later apologised. The Kshatriyas warned the BJP would suffer setbacks in the Lok Sabha election unless the party replaces him as its candidate for the Rajkot seat.
“We reject his apology because it lacks sincerity. He may revert to the same language after the elections. If Rupala remains, we will ensure his defeat at the polls. Our stance is not against the BJP; the party is free to nominate any candidate after replacing Rupala,” remarked Virbhadrasinh, a committee member.
The meeting of prominent community leaders was held in the Gota area of the city to strategize future actions in case Rupala isn’t replaced by the BJP.