Rupala files nomination papers, protests by Rajputs continue 

Amidst protests by Rajputs over his controversial remarks, the Union Minister Parshottam Rupala filed his nomination papers as the BJP candidate from Rajkot parliamentary constituency.

Amidst protests by Rajputs over his controversial remarks, the Union Minister Parshottam Rupala on April 16 filed his nomination papers as the BJP candidate from Rajkot parliamentary constituency. 

Mr. Rupala was accompanied by several leaders including Kesridevsinh Jhala, BJP Rajya Sabha member and member of erstwhile princely family of Wankaner. His grandfather was a Union Minister in Indira Gandhi government. 

Also read | The disgruntled Rajputs of Gujarat

Before filing the papers, he addressed a large gathering in which he yet again urged the Rajput community members to “show large heart and support the BJP.” 

So far, he has already apologised twice but it has not cut ice with the Kshatriyas or descendants of the formerly ruling families who are demanding his removal as the party candidate — a demand that has been rejected by the BJP. 

However, immediately after Mr Rupala filed his papers, PT Jadeja, a key player in organising the protests stressed that “Mr Rupala had no backing of Rajput or Kshatriya community.” 

After a massive show of strength by the Rajputs in which over one lakh people were present in a congregation in Rajkot on Sunday, the top brass of BJP have intensified their efforts to resolve the crisis ahead of the general elections.