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Hans India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Even in defeat, we don't abandon people: Gujarat BJP chief ahead of Assembly bypolls
With nearly over a week left for the upcoming Visavadar Assembly by-election, the Gujarat BJP unit has gone into action mode, treating the triangular political contest as a matter of prestige. In a campaign event held on Monday, Gujarat BJP President and Union Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Paatil, addressed a gathering of party workers and local leaders at Bhesan in Junagadh district, declaring that the BJP "has never learned to lose, and even when defeated, it doesn't abandon its ground". Attacking both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Paatil warned voters not to fall for the "delusions and provocations" of parties that, according to him, "have no base in Gujarat" and lost deposits on 136 seats in the 2022 Assembly election. "Those who came from Delhi and claimed they would form the government had their deposits forfeited by Gujarat's voters," he said, pointing to the BJP's dominant win in 156 Assembly constituencies in 2022 state election. Reminding the people at the gathering that although Visavadar voters may have "experimented" in the 2022 Assembly election, this time there should be no mistakes, Paatil urged, noting that the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel himself came to file nomination papers with BJP candidate Kirit Patel -- "a sign of the state leadership's commitment to Visavadar's progress". Kirit Patel, the BJP's candidate in the upcoming bypoll, also addressed the gathering, highlighting his long-standing connection with Visavadar, Bhesan and Junagadh. "I have worked in this region for 16 years, assisting with education, health and resolving civic issues. During crises like Covid-19, I stood by the people," he said. Patel also alleged a conspiracy by Opposition candidates "brought in from outside" and claimed they were spreading misinformation and misleading voters. "These are not development-focused people. They only incite and provoke," he said, contrasting it with what he described as the BJP's platform of "development and trust". A total of 16 candidates are contesting the Visavadar seat, 12 of whom, Patel claimed, have no real ties to the region. "Visavadar does not need outsiders," he emphasised. The rally was also attended by several top BJP leaders, including MPs, Ministers, and MLAs -- Raghavji Patel, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Mulubhai Bera, Mukesh Patel, Rajesh Chudasama, Jayesh Radadiya, and others. The upcoming by-elections for the Visavadar and Kadi Assembly constituencies in Gujarat, scheduled for June 19, have emerged as politically significant contests for all three major parties -- the BJP, Congress and the AAP. The Visavadar seat fell vacant after BJP MLA Harshad Ribadiya resigned and joined the Congress ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, only to return to the BJP recently. Meanwhile, the Kadi Assembly seat became vacant following the resignation of Congress MLA Karshan Solanki, who also joined the BJP.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Amid hiccups in states, election of new BJP chief is hanging fire
The election of the new BJP national president seems to have got delayed again, this time in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. As per the BJP's constitution, the party national president can be elected once elections of half the state presidents plus one have taken place. While new BJP chiefs have been announced for 14 of the 37 state / UT party units so far, the presidents of several key state units – including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana – are yet to be elected. The current BJP national president, J P Nadda, has been on an extension since June last year, when he was also inducted as a Cabinet minister in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government 3.0. The BJP's state units are currently engaged in holding Tiranga Yatra and other public outreach programmes to highlight the success of Operation Sindoor. However, BJP sources admit, while that is partly the reason, differences within several state units have also led to a delay in the election of their chiefs. This was recently seen in Madhya Pradesh, one of the states awaiting a new BJP chief, when some BJP MLAs attacked the Mohan Yadav-led party government publicly. 'Because of growing complaints against the government and ministers, it's a precarious situation here – and it (the complaints) have reached the top leadership,' says a senior state BJP leader. 'Only intervention from the Central leadership can resolve it. So the task of picking a new president is not easy.' A Madhya Pradesh BJP office-bearer said there have been several complaints of 'corruption and favouritism' against the state government. 'Once such a perception is created, it can be difficult to change it. So the party has to take remedial measures,' he said. While BJP Guna MLA Panna Lal Shakya has alleged 'favouritism' in the local administration, the party MLA from neighbouring Shivpuri, Devendra Jain, has claimed corruption. The state BJP has even issued a show-cause notice to its Alot MLA, Chintamani Malviya, over his public criticism of the Mohan Yadav government's acquisition of land in the Ujjain Simhastha area, saying it 'damaged' the image of the party and government, sources said. The term of the current BJP chief, V D Sharma, got over some time back and he is on an extension. Even in Gujarat, where the BJP is strongly entrenched with a robust organisation and discipline, the election of the state chief has run into internal differences. A BJP MP said, 'The party leadership has not been able to take a call whether it wants a leader like C R Patil (the current Gujarat BJP chief) or a low-profile face.' Patil, considered to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had taken over the reins of the Gujarat BJP replacing Jitu Vaghani, a prominent Patidar leader who kept a low profile. Sources said Patil has been an 'assertive leader' as the state chief. But he is currently holding a dual role as Union Jal Shakti Minister and state party president, and with his attention divided, various rows involving state leaders are said to have come to the boil. Rajkot BJP organisation in-charge Dhaval Dave was recently accused of 'impropriety' in making appointment to party positions. Sabarkantha BJP leader Bhupendrasinh Zala's name was linked to an alleged ponzi scandal. Also, the two sons of state minister Bachubhai Khabad were recently arrested in connection with an alleged Rs 75 crore scam related to MGNREGA. 'Some discontent among second-rung leaders and the cadre is bringing up many issues lying dormant for some time,' said a BJP leader, adding that the BJP's aura of being disciplined and 'a party with a difference' has taken a dent. In Uttar Pradesh, the most politically crucial state in the country, as well, the issue of the selection of the new party president is not resolved yet. 'It appears the central leadership is caught in a Catch-22 situation – on one side the popularity and acceptance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is so evident that it cannot ignore him. At the same time, an influential section of leaders, mostly from OBCs, are seeking a change at the top, which cannot be overlooked,' said a party MP from UP. He said the BJP 'cannot afford to disappoint the OBCs' as they have been a significant support base of the party in the last few elections and also 'because Akhilesh (Yadav of the SP) used the OBC card against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections'. The BJP had faced a setback in UP in the Lok Sabha polls, when its tally came down to 33 from 63 in 2019. While the poll-bound Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have got new BJP presidents, West Bengal, which is also going to elections next year and which figures on top of the party's priority list, is yet to have a new chief. 'There have been lot of discussions and some names have been proposed from the Bengal unit. But the central leadership has not taken a decision,' said a party source from Bengal. BJP leaders said the tussle in Bengal between veterans like Dilip Ghosh and 'newcomers' like Suvendu Adhikari has been an issue in the party. 'While Adhikari puts up an aggressive face for the BJP, he does not have a strong backing of the cadre,' the source said. Although names like Jyotirmay Singh Mahato (Purulia MP) and Jagannath Chattopadhyay are doing the rounds as possible candidates, some leaders are not ruling out the possibility of current party chief Sukanta Majumdar continuing in the post despite being inducted into the Modi ministry in June last year. Internal tensions are also causing a delay in the appointment of the Telangana BJP chief. While incumbent president G Kishan Reddy, Union minister, is likely to be replaced soon, party sources admitted that it is going to be a 'tough task' considering the feuds between some leaders. Former state chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who is also a Union minister, appears to be keen on focusing on state politics. Etala Rajender, an influential BRS leader who joined the BJP in 2021, is also favoured by a section for the post, even though another section dismisses him for being an 'outsider'.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Widow's anguish stuns politicians into silence, accuses them of photo ops during tragedy
Surat: "The govt deducts taxes from our salaries even before we receive them. We pay taxes while shopping, and we pay tolls to use roads. VIPs enjoy every facility, including security convoys and even helicopters. But when my husband needed protection, he got none. It seems only your (politicians) life is life, and common people's lives are ordinary." This emotional outburst from Shital, the widow of Shailesh Kalathiya, who was killed in Pahalgam, stunned politicians into silence when they gathered at the Kasturi Bungalows in Mota Varachha to mourn the Surat banker's death on Thursday. Shital voiced her anguish in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP Chief CR Paatil, local MP Mukesh Dalal, and minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi. Shital, her son, and daughter escaped the terrorists' bullets, but Shailesh was not so fortunate. She described how a terrorist who shot dead Shailesh was laughing and stayed there until he died. "The attackers even separated tourists based on religion before opening fire. The men who were Hindus were separated and shot by the terrorists. What kind of govt is this, which cannot protect its own citizens?" she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo Flanked by weeping relatives and fighting back her tears, Shital also accused the politicians of finding an opportunity for a photo-op during such tragedies. "All politicians, officials, and security forces came only after the incident, for photo ops. No one was there when my husband needed help. We thought that Kashmir was the safest place, looking at the big number of military present there. But we were wrong," she rued. Shital urged the govt to ensure security and support for the families left behind. "I want the govt to safeguard the futures of all those who lost their loved ones." Shailesh was working as a manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) in Mumbai's Kandivali branch, and he was on vacation in Kashmir. Shital also demanded that the govt secure the future of children of all victims of the terror attack. "We wanted our daughter to become a doctor and our son an engineer. Now, what will be their future? I want justice," she said. Terrorist Had Camera on Cap: Son Recounting the horror, the couple's 10-year-old son, Naksh, told TOI that the terrorists had a camera attached to the cap. "We were hungry, so we went to eat. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, and everyone began running for their lives. My mother stayed with my father and told us to go down. They were wearing caps fitted with cameras," he said. When asked if he wanted to tell anything to the govt, he said: "This govt did not live up to expectations."
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pahalgam terror attack: 'You protect VIPs, not us,' grieving widow blasts govt at victim's funeral
AHMEDABAD: Grief gave way to anger on Thursday as Shailesh Himmatbhai Kalthia, one of the three Gujaratis killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was laid to rest in Surat. Kalthia, who was visiting Kashmir with his family, was among the victims of Tuesday's attack. His final rites drew a large crowd of mourners, including Union Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil. Amid the emotional farewell, his wife Shitalben, who witnessed the attack and her husband's death, expressed her anguish and frustration. Overwhelmed by grief, she criticised the government's VIP culture, questioning the contrast in security and resources. 'There's nothing there, no army, no police, no facilities. But when VIPs or big leaders visit, there are dozens of cars, helicopters flying overhead. Who pays for all that? Us—the common people, the taxpayers. So why is all that service only for the VIPs and not for regular folks like us?' she asked. Crying, she recounted the event after the attack saying, 'I was shouting from the army camp below, begging them to go up and help, telling them people were injured. We somehow made it down, stumbling, falling... but no help ever reached the people who were still up there. So much happened up top—why didn't the army below know anything?' Then she said something that really hit hard: 'If they're just going to shoot all the Hindu brothers like that, then what is our security personnel even doing? There were thousands of security personnel in that area, and still, at the tourist spots, there were no soldiers, no police, not even basic first aid. Nothing.' And then, to top it off, she said one of the security guys asked her, 'What are you even doing here, just walking around?' Can you imagine that? Shitalben, visibly distraught, turned to those around her and questioned, 'Now you tell me—if things were really like that up there, then why did you even let us go? Why did you let us go into that danger?' She broke down as she said, 'The pillar of my house is gone. My support… my strength… he's gone. Just give me back my Shailesh, I don't want anything else. Nothing.' And then she said something that really hit everyone: 'If our government only wants to protect its own, only wants to maintain facilities for itself, then fine—but don't expect our votes anymore. We won't vote for this government again.' At one point, Shitalben stretched her hand toward her son and, with her voice shaking, said, 'Tell me… what's the future of these boys now? I had dreams—I wanted to make my son an engineer, my daughter a doctor. How am I supposed to do that now?' She paused, holding back tears, and continued, 'All these years, we paid taxes. My husband worked hard, served this country, and you took taxes from his salary. And even when we went up there as tourists, we paid taxes again. You took everything from us. But when we needed help the most, there were no facilities, no support.' 'I want justice,' she said firmly. 'Not just for me, but for my children's future. They shouldn't have to suffer.' Then, turning to Patil, she said, 'You live here in Surat, right? So you tell me, what will you do for my husband? For us? Because he's not the only one… There are so many innocent brothers out there, just young boys. What about them?' When Patil tried to reassure her, saying that the government would help, Shitalben didn't hold back. She said, 'The government just keeps saying 'We'll do it, we'll do it'… but they've been saying that since the beginning. So much has already happened, and still, nothing has been done.' She looked exhausted, her voice filled with frustration. 'They don't even know if the injured got proper treatment at the hospital or not. No one knows anything. And the next day? There was a curfew. Total shutdown. Roads were blocked off completely. Wherever you looked, there were groups of 100, 200 army men on the streets.' She shook her head in disbelief. 'Where were they when we needed them? When innocent lives were being lost up there?' As Shitalben poured her heart out, some of the leaders there tried to quiet her down, but she wasn't having it. She stood her ground and said sharply, 'No sir, you have to listen to me. Every time something terrible happens, that's when the government shows up to take pictures. Then they say, 'Army officers were there, police were there, leaders came.' What's the point of coming after everything's over?' Her voice rose with anger. 'And why why did an Security officer say, 'What are you doing here, just walking around?' If even one person said that, why didn't anyone else there speak up? Why was no one held accountable?' 'I don't just want justice for my husband and son,' she said, her voice breaking but steady. 'I want justice for everyone who lost their lives. Every son should have a future. Every family deserves answers.' C.R. Patil tried to respond gently, saying, 'Yes, yes, Shitalben, definitely…' But she cut him off. 'No, definitely not. We trusted you. That's why we went there!' As she tried to continue, others stepped in and tried to stop her from speaking. And then, with a heavy heart, she added, 'This place should be closed. It's supposed to be a tourist spot… but look at what's happening.'
