Why does Gujarat BJP chief insist on loyalty even in defeat?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As the Visavadar Assembly by-election approaches, Gujarat's BJP unit intensifies efforts to secure a win. With a focus on loyalty and local ties, party leaders express determination to not lose ground. What strategies will they employ to ensure victory amidst intense competition?
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat BJP mobilizes efforts for Visavadar by-election.
- C.R. Paatil emphasizes loyalty and ground presence.
- Criticism of Congress and AAP for lack of local roots.
- 16 candidates contest, with focus on local connections.
- Upcoming elections seen as pivotal for all major parties.
Junagarh (Gujarat), June 9 (NationPress) With just over a week remaining before the crucial Visavadar Assembly by-election, the Gujarat BJP faction has mobilized its efforts, viewing this triangular political battle as a point of pride.
During a campaign gathering held on Monday, Gujarat BJP President and Union Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Paatil, spoke to party workers and local leaders at Bhesan in the Junagadh district, asserting that the BJP "has never embraced defeat, and even in the face of loss, it does not withdraw from its ground".
While criticizing both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Paatil cautioned voters against falling for the "illusions and provocations" of parties that, according to him, "lack roots in Gujarat" and lost their deposits on 136 seats in the 2022 Assembly elections.
"Those who arrived from Delhi claiming they would take power had their deposits forfeited by the voters of Gujarat," he stated, highlighting the BJP's significant victory in 156 Assembly seats during the 2022 state elections.
Paatil reminded attendees that while Visavadar voters may have "experimented" in the 2022 elections, there should be no deviations this time. He emphasized that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally filed nomination papers alongside the BJP candidate Kirit Patel, symbolizing the state leadership's dedication to the advancement of Visavadar.
Kirit Patel, the BJP's candidate for the upcoming bypoll, also spoke at the event, emphasizing his longstanding connection with Visavadar, Bhesan, and Junagadh.
"I have been active in this area for 16 years, facilitating education, healthcare, and addressing civic concerns. I stood by the community during crises like Covid-19," he mentioned.
Patel accused opposing candidates, "imported from outside," of spreading misinformation and misleading voters.
"These individuals are not focused on development. They only incite and provoke," he contrasted with the BJP's mission of "development and trust".
A total of 16 candidates are vying for the Visavadar seat, 12 of whom, Patel claimed, have no genuine ties to the community.
"Visavadar does not require outsiders," he stressed.
The rally also featured numerous prominent BJP leaders, including MPs, Ministers, and MLAs such as Raghavji Patel, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Mulubhai Bera, Mukesh Patel, Rajesh Chudasama, Jayesh Radadiya, and others.
The upcoming by-elections for the Visavadar and Kadi Assembly seats in Gujarat, set for June 19, are turning into politically significant contests for all three major parties—BJP, Congress, and AAP.
The Visavadar seat became vacant after BJP MLA Harshad Ribadiya resigned and joined the Congress before the 2022 Assembly elections, only to return to the BJP recently.
Additionally, the Kadi Assembly seat was vacated following the resignation of Congress MLA Karshan Solanki, who also joined the BJP.
Point of View
The upcoming by-elections in Gujarat reflect the intricate dynamics of local politics where parties aim to connect with voters. The BJP's emphasis on local leadership and community roots illustrates a strategic approach that may resonate with constituents, especially amid claims of external influence from opposition parties. This contest will likely serve as a litmus test for voter sentiments in the region.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Visavadar Assembly by-election?
The Visavadar Assembly by-election is significant as it tests the political strength of the BJP, especially after recent shifts in party allegiance by local MLA Harshad Ribadiya.
How is the BJP preparing for the by-election?
The BJP is mobilizing its resources and emphasizing local connections to secure a win, with party leaders actively campaigning to engage with voters.
What claims are being made about opposition parties?
BJP leaders have accused opposition parties of lacking local ties and spreading misinformation to mislead voters.
