Gujarat : Mahesh Vasava Quits BJP Over Lack of Development in Bharuch, Narmada

Bharuch, Gujarat : In a political jolt to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, Mahesh Vasava, tribal leader and national president of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP), has resigned from the BJP, accusing the ruling party of failing to deliver development in Bharuch and Narmada districts. The resignation, coming just months after he joined the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has sparked fresh debate over the BJP’s commitment to addressing tribal issues in South Gujarat.

Mahesh Vasava, a prominent face among the tribal population of the two districts, minced no words while explaining the reasons behind his exit. “There is no development in Bharuch and Narmada. I made repeated representations, but the BJP government did nothing. People’s work is not getting done, and I will not stay silent when my people suffer,” Vasava said while announcing his resignation.

The decision is being viewed as a significant political setback for the BJP, especially in the tribal belt where Mahesh Vasava holds considerable influence. His resignation indicates rising discontent within the tribal leadership, which had hoped for quicker action and attention to grassroots problems after aligning with the BJP.

“Since joining the BJP, my efforts to raise issues and solve people’s problems have been met with indifference. There has been no progress on critical infrastructure or welfare matters. I joined the BJP hoping for real development, but nothing has changed. So, I have decided to step away and work directly with the people again,” Vasava added.

However, the BJP has rejected his allegations. Responding to Vasava’s criticism, BJP district president Prakash Modi countered, “More people now visit the Statue of Unity than the Taj Mahal. That is proof of the development brought by the BJP in this region. Mahesh Vasava’s claims are politically motivated.”

Mahesh Vasava joined the BJP in March 2024 in a high-profile induction at the party headquarters in Gandhinagar. His move had stirred controversy then, with many questioning the ideological shift from a tribal-centric party to the BJP. Insiders now reveal that Vasava had been growing disillusioned for some time, frustrated by the lack of support from the party’s leadership.

Now, with his resignation, Vasava has made it clear that he plans to return to grassroots politics. “I will continue to fight for my people and ensure their issues are heard. I am not here for power; I am here for service,” he stated.