‘Aim to fulfill political vacuum’: Vaghela as erstwhile royal family’s member inducted into party at top post

In what is seen as crucial strategising at an organisational level ahead of local polls in Gujarat, Riddhirajsinhji Mahipendrasinhji Parmar — from Danta’s erstwhile royal family and married to Divyajyotikumari from the erstwhile royal family of Odisha — has been appointed as the president.  Following the latest announcement, speculations are also rife about Vaghela’s role in the party.  Rajendrasinh Rathod was earlier appointed as the founder president of the PSDP.

In his remarks to reporters, Vaghela said that he aims to fulfill the political vacuum in the state.  “There is a political vacuum in Gujarat as the ruling political party lacks a pro-people focus, and the Opposition too has no positive role. Pressure came to develop an active team and Maharana Riddhirajsinhji Mahipendrasinhji Parmar, who comes from a royal family, with no political background was asked to take up the responsibility as the president. He was also last active in the Kshatriya protest and he agreed to it.”

Vaghela said this is not a new party but registered with the Election Commission since 2020. “And before the tehsil and zilla or panchayat elections are announced, we have announced our party president. More details of the party’s role and future strategy will be announced on December 22 during an adhiveshan to be held in Ahmedabad. There is nothing like a Team B or C of any political party. All these accusations are fictional. Also, the claim that no third front can be successful in Gujarat is nothing but fictional. Take the example of Delhi. For 15 years, Congress ruled but a small party like AAP was able to change the political scenario there,” he added.
Though the party is claimed to be registered in 2020, on 21 August 2022, Vaghela launched Praja Shakti Democratic Party with an apparent intention to contest Gujarat state assembly elections in the same year.