Gujarat CEO seeks report on Rupala’s remarks about Kshatriya community

“Bijay khub rahya. Angrejoy khub rahya. Ane amne daman karvama baki natu rakhyu saheb. Ane maharajao namya. Ene roti-betina vevar karya. Pan mara rukhi samaje noto dharam badlyo, nato vevar kairyo. Ene sauthi vadhare daman karvama avyu tu. Pan ee nata hatya. Aa hajar varhe Ram ena bharose avyo chhe (Others also ruled us. So did the British and they spared nothing to persecute. Even the kings bowed down. They broke bread with them and married their daughters to them. But my Rukhi community neither changed their religion nor established such ties though they were persecuted the most. However, they didn’t budge. Trusting them, Lord Ram has come back after 1000 years),” Rupala is heard saying in a purported video of his speech from the event.

However, the next day, Rupala tendered an apology for his remarks. “My intention was to elaborate on the atrocities committed by vidharmis (those practising other faiths) against our culture and our country. It was neither my intention in the least to show royal families or the Kshatriya community in poor light, nor is it now or will it be in future. Nonetheless, if anyone’s feelings have been hurt due to my speech or its video, I say sorry and apologise sincerely. I am doing this (tendering apology) not due to the election but because I respect the pride and glory of the Kshatriya community,” Rupala said in a video message.

The apology notwithstanding, Kshatriyas held demonstrations against Rupala in Rajkot and Surendranagar on Tuesday.