In a significant development ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, 45 royal families have pledged their support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering a substantial boost to the BJP's electoral prospects.
Gathering in Rajkot, a group of 15-16 royal family members convened to discuss the nation's welfare, while others conveyed their support through written letters endorsing PM Modi.
Thakor Saheb of Rajkot Mandhata, Sinhji Jadeja, underscored the close association between the Rajput community and former rulers with PM Modi, citing his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing India's development across various fronts.
This declaration of support comes amidst protests by Kshatriyas or Rajputs in Gujarat following controversial remarks made by Union Minister Parshottam Rupala during an election campaign in Rajkot.
Rupala's comments, which praised the fortitude of the Dalit community while implicitly criticising the Kshatriya lineage, sparked outrage among sections of the population, highlighting underlying tensions within the state.
Addressing the gathering, Sinhji Jadeja emphasised the shared commitment of ex-rulers from Saurashtra, Kachchh, and Gujarat to the nation's well-being and India's stature on the global stage.
Gujarat, considered a stronghold of the BJP and the home state of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holds significance in the upcoming elections, with all eyes on the state's 25 parliamentary seats set for voting on May 7.
In a peculiar turn of events, the constituency of Surat witnessed BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal being elected unopposed after the nomination papers of the Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani were rejected due to discrepancies in the nomination process.
With the electoral landscape in Gujarat poised for action, the support of 45 royal families adds a layer of momentum to the BJP's campaign, underscoring the party's efforts to consolidate its position ahead of the crucial polls.