Veteran BJP MP points finger at taluka chief appointment in Gujarat; due process followed, says party

Addressing mediapersons in Rajpipla, Vasava further alleged that Patel has “not contributed” to the party during his tenure. “Even during the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP suffered a dent in his own village. In about two or three official events of mine, this Sandeep Patel remained absent and even made several attempts to sabotage my programme as an MP in his own village. His mindset does not match the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideology of nationalism,” Vasava said.

He further said, “We need a leader, who can take along people of all communities, and not a person, who is associated with sand-mining businesses. I have to speak clearly; whether the party makes a change or not is the party’s decision but I want to draw their attention well in time.”

Vasava said several people from Jhagadia “have expressed their disappointment” with the appointment. Several names from the Rajput and Patel communities as well as of tribal leaders, who have contributed to the party, were submitted to the observers but “vested interests” within the party “misled” the state executive, he said. Vasava said, “There are two-three cases registered against him (Patel), including one of Atrocity (Act). I do not want to rake caste issues, but Sandeep Patel has an anti-tribal mindset. The fault is not of the state executive but of the local leaders, who also have vested interests in businesses.”

He further said, “When the government speaks of transparent governance and the party speaks of good governance, selecting a person like this will taint the image. Those who have come from the BTP (Bharatiya Tribal Party), do not have the mindset of the BJP… My aim is to ensure that the BJP’s image is not damaged due to such people.”

While Patel could not be contacted for comment, BJP Gujarat spokesperson Yagnesh Dave told The Indian Express that his selection was done through a democratic process after the local unit leaders spoke in his favour. “Sandeep Patel’s selection to the post was after due process. He also filled up the form like other leaders… maximum number of local leaders favoured Patel, so he was appointed. However, Mansukh Vasava is a senior leader of the party and a seven-term MP, who is an inspiration for us. So, we will also look into his complaint and take a decision accordingly,” Dave said.