Gorat Residents Block BJP Campaign Over Rajhans High-Rise Row in Surat

Surat | Gujarat — A political storm erupted in Surat on Tuesday after angry residents in the Gorat Hanuman chowk locality of Adajan blocked election campaigning by candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party, turning the spotlight on the controversial role of the Rajhans Group and alleged administrative apathy.

The protest unfolded in Ward No. 11 of the Surat Municipal Corporation when BJP candidates, including Surat West MLA Purnesh Modi, were stopped from canvassing by residents of Hindu housing societies. Demonstrators accused the ruling party of ignoring repeated pleas against the construction of a luxury high-rise apartment near the Gorat Hanuman Temple.

Women in the society claimed that the BJP workers shoved them when they tried to block their entry by shutting the society gates. One of the women showed how the BJP workers pushed her hard and her pants were torn. 

Residents alleged that the builder went ahead with the project despite local objections. “We approached authorities several times, but no one listened. When votes are needed, they come to our doors, but our concerns were ignored,” said one protesting resident.

The high-rise project by Rajhans Group has reportedly secured permissions under the Disturbed Areas Act from the district administration. However, the approval has done little to calm tempers in the neighbourhood, where many locals feel their voices were sidelined. Protesters said their anger is directed not just at the developer but also at the ruling party for “allowing the situation to escalate.”

Another resident said, “This is not just about a building. It is about trust. If the government cannot hear the people of its own stronghold, then who will it hear?”

The incident has added a sharp political edge to the civic polls in Surat, a city traditionally considered a BJP stronghold. Residents in the area openly declared support for an independent candidate, signalling a rare rebellion at the grassroots level.

Political observers say the confrontation could indicate growing voter dissatisfaction in local pockets. “Blocking campaigning is a serious sign of public anger. It reflects a disconnect between residents and decision-makers,” said a local political analyst.