Gujarat : BJP MP Ditches Luxury for Swadeshi, Embraces Titan Over Rolex

Rajkot | Gujarat — In a rare move that has stirred conversations in Gujarat’s political circles, Rajya Sabha MP Rambhai Mokariya has taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call — “Say proudly, I buy Swadeshi” — to heart. Known for his collection of luxury watches and foreign cars, Mokariya has voluntarily abandoned his Rolex and Rado timepieces and replaced them with a humble Titan wristwatch worth ₹3,100. He has also stopped using his Land Cruiser for personal travel, pledging to purchase a safer, Indian-made vehicle instead.

This dramatic shift comes in the backdrop of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Rajkot, which appears to have reignited Mokariya’s political relevance. Once sidelined within his own party, the veteran MP is suddenly back in the spotlight, with BJP leaders not only inviting him to key events but also seen sharing tea at his office.

“I always work for the party without expectations”

Speaking exclusively on his transformation, Mokariya said, “I am a loyal worker of the party. I have been working for the party since 1976, from my student days. I was made a Rajya Sabha MP by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda according to my qualifications, and I am grateful to them. Since my ideology is different, there may be differences at times, but there can never be differences of opinion. I always work for the party without expecting anything.”

Mokariya admitted that Shah’s guidance had influenced his decision to shed symbols of foreign luxury. “In the evening, after meeting Amit Shah at the Circuit House, I was reminded about the importance of adopting indigenous products. Later, while walking through the market, I bought a Titan watch for ₹3,100 and stopped using my expensive foreign watches,” he said.

Luxury to Simplicity: Rolex to Titan, Crore-worth Pens to ₹25 Ballpoint

Mokariya’s shift is not symbolic alone — it is sweeping. His prized collection of 20 luxury foreign watches worth crores, which includes Rolex and Rado, will now remain locked away as souvenirs. Similarly, his fleet of three to four foreign-made luxury cars worth crores will no longer be in use.

If that wasn’t enough, the MP has also ditched his ₹4 lakh luxury ballpoint pen for a simple ₹25 Indian-made pen.

“It is not just about watches or cars. It is about changing habits to strengthen Indian companies. If we want our economy to grow, we must start with ourselves,” he emphasized.

From Being Ignored to Being Counted Again

Political observers in Rajkot note that Mokariya was often overlooked at party events in the past. However, Shah’s visit seems to have altered dynamics. Pictures of BJP state leaders including Dr. Bharat Boghra, Jaymin Thakar, Madhav Dave, and Ashwin Moliya sipping tea in Mokariya’s office have gone viral, signaling a thaw in old rivalries.

“After Amit Shah’s suggestion of walking together with everyone, leaders who once ignored Rambhai are now counting him again,” a senior party worker said.

A Lesson for Wealthy MPs?

At a time when many politicians flaunt imported cars, Swiss watches, and luxury accessories, Rambhai Mokariya’s decision stands out as an example of aligning personal lifestyle with the government’s “Vocal for Local” mission.

Whether this gesture will inspire other wealthy MPs to follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Rambhai Mokariya’s Rolex-to-Titan journey has made him the face of Modi’s Swadeshi call in Gujarat.