Lok Sabha Election 2024 : Parshottam Rupala gets clean chit on Kshatriya controversy

Ahmedabad : In a significant development, Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi has issued a clean chit regarding the controversial statement made by BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat. The Collector’s written investigation report to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state has absolved Rupala of any wrongdoing, citing that his speech did not target any particular religion or caste, and the context of the speech was not a political gathering.

The controversy surrounding BJP candidate Parshottam Rupala’s speech for the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat has taken a new turn with the issuance of a clean chit by Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi. The written investigation report submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state concludes that Rupala’s speech did not violate the Model Code of Conduct, as it did not target any specific religion or caste within the Kshatriya community.

The Collector’s report further clarifies that the reference to a king (Maharaja) in Rupala’s speech pertained to individuals from different castes, and the venue where the speech was delivered was not a political gathering. The context of the speech was identified as a Dayro-Bhajan program held at the residence of a Rajkot resident, Jogirajbhai Parmar, to commemorate the passing of Dayabhai Parmar, rather than a political or public meeting.

Assistant Election Officer’s findings corroborate the Collector’s report, indicating that the event where Rupala spoke was a social gathering devoid of election campaign paraphernalia or symbols of any political party. The absence of banners, hoardings, or overt political affiliations showed the non-political nature of the event, further solidifying the conclusion that Rupala’s remarks did not transgress the boundaries of the Model Code of Conduct.

The clean chit issued by the Rajkot District Collector comes in response to complaints filed by individuals including Santopsinh Rathod and Gajendra Singh Jhala, alleging violations by Rupala. However, the investigation conducted by the District Collector has refuted these claims, providing a reprieve for Rupala and the BJP amidst the contentious pre-election environment.

As the Lok Sabha election campaign gathers momentum, the clearance of Rupala by the District Collector is likely to influence the narrative surrounding the BJP candidate’s candidacy in Rajkot. With the cloud of controversy dispelled, Rupala and his supporters can now focus on their electoral campaign with renewed vigor and confidence, aiming to secure victory in the upcoming polls.