A political controversy has erupted in Gujarat after Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Vadodara, Hemang Joshi, extended an invitation to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to participate in the 'Unity March' commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary.
The Controversial Invitation
Joshi's invitation to his fellow Parliamentarian has stirred significant political debate in the state. The Unity March is scheduled to take place in Vadodara on November 29 and 30, marking the important anniversary of India's first Deputy Prime Minister. Joshi defended his unusual outreach to the opposition leader by referencing Gandhi's reputation for conducting election padyatras.
Speaking to media representatives, the BJP MP stated, "He (Gandhi) likes to walk and is known for walking during elections but unfortunately he does not get picked..." This remark, combining both literal and political meanings of the word 'chalna' (to walk or to be accepted), added fuel to the growing controversy.
Congress's Strong Reaction
The Congress party responded sharply to what they perceived as a political maneuver. Party spokesperson Nishant Raval dismissed the invitation as "an attempt to gain cheap publicity in the name of Rahul Gandhi."
Raval countered with a pointed question directed at Joshi: "I want to ask Hemang Joshi... How many times has he been to the memorial of Sardar Patel and paid obeisance there?" This response indicated the Congress's skepticism about the BJP's motives behind the invitation.
Parallel Political Activities
While the invitation controversy unfolded, the Vadodara city unit of the Congress organized its own political demonstration. The party conducted a 'Save Constitution' rally in Vadodara, which saw the presence of AICC leader and the party's Gujarat in-charge Ramkishnan Ojha.
The timing of these parallel events highlights the ongoing political tensions in Gujarat, with both major parties seeking to establish their connection to Sardar Patel's legacy while advancing their respective political narratives ahead of the important anniversary celebrations.
The exchange between the two political parties underscores the continuing political rivalry in Gujarat and the symbolic importance of Sardar Patel's legacy in contemporary Indian politics.
