Betrayed Hopes: Ex-Servicemen Resign En Masse from Gujarat BJP

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —  In a stinging blow to the ruling party’s image, nearly 100 ex-servicemen in Gujarat have tendered their resignations from the BJP, accusing the leadership of betraying their trust and ignoring their long-pending demands.

The resignations, submitted on Thursday to BJP Gujarat president C R Paatil, mark a moment of deep disillusionment for veterans who once stood shoulder to shoulder with the party during crucial elections.

Among those resigning was Jitendra Nimavat, president of the Ex-Servicemen Seva Foundation Gujarat, who said the decision was not taken lightly.

“We gave our sweat and years of service to both the armed forces and later to the BJP. But our issues have been gathering dust for over five years. Enough is enough,” Nimavat declared.

Five Years of Neglect

According to the veterans, they had made repeated written and verbal representations to the state government, flagging their demands on welfare schemes, pensions, and rehabilitation support. In 2022, they even staged an agitation to highlight their plight.

Yet, despite their active contribution to the BJP’s victories in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they claim their concerns were stonewalled.

“We were used only as foot soldiers during elections, not as stakeholders in governance,” said another veteran, requesting anonymity.

Resignation Letter with Strong Words

The collective resignation letter, copies of which have also been sent to BJP state general secretary Ratnakar, was a sharp indictment of the party’s inaction.

It stated:“Although rules and resolutions have been announced for the welfare of ex-servicemen, the government has failed to implement them. If the government does not listen to us despite our numbers, how will it listen to the common people?”

A Growing Rift

Political observers say this development reflects a growing sense of frustration among veterans who joined the BJP in hopes of meaningful reform. Gujarat, home to thousands of retired defence personnel, has traditionally seen strong nationalist sentiment translate into support for the party.

But the ex-servicemen now argue that symbolism has replaced substance. “Patriotism cannot be reduced to slogans. Veterans deserve dignity, not neglect,” said a retired colonel who was part of the delegation.

Implications for BJP

While BJP leaders have not officially responded to the mass resignations, insiders admit the move could dent the party’s credibility among veterans and their families. “Ex-servicemen carry social respect in their communities. Their anger can influence public opinion,” said a political analyst in Gandhinagar.