Raksha Bandhan 2024: Gujarat CM Patel, Sanghavi extend greetings, stress women's empowerment
Synopsis
Gujarat's top political leadership — CM Bhupendra Patel, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, and BJP state chief Jagdish Vishwakarma — used Raksha Bandhan on 28 August to go beyond ritual greetings, explicitly linking the festival's message of sibling responsibility to the state and central government's women's empowerment agenda.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel greeted citizens on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August , calling it a festival of 'sacred affection and unbreakable trust' between siblings.
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi posted his wishes on X, describing the festival as 'a promise that goes beyond words.' State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma called for brothers to actively safeguard their sisters' dignity, security, and self-respect.
Vishwakarma linked Raksha Bandhan's message to the BJP -led government's women's empowerment initiatives under PM Narendra Modi .
Gujarat's leadership reaffirmed the state's commitment to advancing women's safety, economic self-reliance, and decision-making participation.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Friday, 28 August extended Raksha Bandhan greetings to citizens across the state, underscoring the festival's celebration of sibling bonds and respect for women. State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Jagdish Vishwakarma used the occasion to call for a broader societal commitment to women's dignity, safety, and empowerment.
CM Patel's Message
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a message posted on social media platform X, described Raksha Bandhan as a festival of 'sacred affection and unbreakable trust' between siblings. He called it an important symbol of family values, cultural traditions, and respect for women's empowerment. 'Heartiest greetings to everyone on the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan,' Patel said, expressing hope that the occasion would bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and harmony to families across Gujarat.
Deputy CM Sanghavi's Greetings
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also took to X to share his wishes, posting: 'A promise that goes beyond words. Happy Rakshabandhan!' His brief but pointed message echoed the festival's core theme of commitment between siblings.
BJP Chief Links Festival to Women's Empowerment
State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma, in a message issued on the eve of the festival, described Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of the love, affection, and mutual trust shared between brothers and sisters. He noted that Indians living across the world celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm.
Vishwakarma emphasised that the tying of a rakhi by a sister on her brother's wrist represents her wishes for his happiness, health, and safety, while the thread also symbolises enduring affection and mutual responsibility. He stressed that the responsibility is mutual — brothers are expected to stand by their sisters and safeguard their dignity, security, happiness, and self-respect at every stage of life.
The BJP state chief also connected the festival's message to the broader cause of women's empowerment, stating that Indian culture has historically accorded women a position of honour and dignity. He said the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had placed women's empowerment at the centre of national development through initiatives aimed at strengthening women's safety, economic self-reliance, and participation in decision-making. He added that Gujarat, under Chief Minister Patel's leadership, continues to advance in the same direction.
Significance of the Occasion
Raksha Bandhan, observed annually, is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals marking the bond between brothers and sisters. This year's observance on 28 August saw political leaders across Gujarat use the occasion to reinforce messages of family cohesion and gender equality — themes that have gained renewed prominence in public discourse. Notably, the greetings from senior state leaders come at a time when women's safety and empowerment remain key political talking points ahead of upcoming civic engagements in Gujarat.
Point of View
But the explicit pivot to women's empowerment policy — from a state BJP chief on a cultural occasion — signals how the party is working to keep gender welfare messaging visible outside of election cycles. The question is whether the rhetoric translates into measurable outcomes: Gujarat's record on women's safety indices is mixed, and linking a festival's symbolism to governance performance requires more than messaging. The Modi government's women-centric schemes have shown real reach on financial inclusion, but safety metrics in several states, including Gujarat, remain a work in progress. Vishwakarma's framing is politically astute, but it also raises the accountability bar.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel say on Raksha Bandhan 2024?
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel posted greetings on X on 28 August, describing Raksha Bandhan as a festival of 'sacred affection and unbreakable trust' between siblings. He expressed hope that the occasion would bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to families.
What message did Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi share for Raksha Bandhan?
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi posted a brief message on X saying 'A promise that goes beyond words. Happy Rakshabandhan!' He echoed the festival's theme of enduring commitment between siblings.
How did Gujarat BJP chief Jagdish Vishwakarma connect Raksha Bandhan to women's empowerment?
Vishwakarma stated that the responsibility of Raksha Bandhan is mutual — brothers must stand by their sisters and protect their dignity and self-respect. He linked this to the BJP-led central government's women's empowerment initiatives and said Gujarat under CM Patel is advancing in the same direction.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2024 and why do political leaders issue greetings?
Raksha Bandhan in 2024 falls on 28 August. Political leaders across India traditionally use the occasion to connect with citizens, and in Gujarat this year, senior leaders used it to reinforce the government's messaging on women's safety and empowerment.
What women's empowerment initiatives did BJP leaders reference on Raksha Bandhan?
BJP state chief Jagdish Vishwakarma referenced the central government's broader initiatives aimed at strengthening women's safety, economic self-reliance, and participation in decision-making, without naming specific schemes. He said Gujarat under CM Bhupendra Patel is continuing to move in the same direction.
