As the BJP stands its ground on fielding controversial Parshottam Rupala from the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat, the leader on Thursday started door-to-door campaigning in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
Rupala, who courted a major controversy for his comments against the Kshatriya community, was warmly welcomed by the locals with selfies and rangoli at different chowks as he visited societies and shops on Kuvadva Road in Rajkot city, receiving garlands and rose flowers as tokens of appreciation.
The campaign was also marked by festive celebrations, with children welcoming Rupala by tying mindhol and firecrackers being burst to the beat of drums and Jai Shri ram slogans. Rupala expressed his happiness at the grand reception from the people.
Escorted by a heavy police force in wake of the Kshatriya rumble, Rupala walked an estimated five kilometres, appealing to the people to support him on the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat.
The campaign on Kuvadwa Road, a stronghold of Patidars in Rajkot, saw a large turnout of BJP workers. Rupala, campaigning in Rajya Sabha MP Ram Mokariya’s car, was joined by former Rajkot Lok Sabha seat MP Mohan Kundaria, Uday Kangad, Mayor Naynaben Pedhadia and city BJP president Mukesh Doshi.
Interestingly, Bharat Boghra, who has been distant for a while, also joined Rupala’s campaign. Jairam Patel, president of Sidsar Umiadham and a Patidar figure, met Rupala. However, Arvind Raiyani, a leader from Samakanth and considered a BJP leader of the Leuva Patidar Samaj, was conspicuously absent.
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