Togadia shadow behind Zadaphia walk

Zadaphia, a former minister of state for home, is a staunch supporter of Togadia and rose from the grassroot level in the VHP. And BJP leaders say that without the support of Togadia and former CM Keshubhai Patel, Zadaphia would not have taken such a ‘‘bold’’ decision.

‘‘The VHP supported Modi wholeheartedly during the Assembly elections held against the backdrop of the post-Godhra riots. Modi’s Gaurav Yatra had the entire VHP cadre working for him. But Modi has chosen to ignore and sideline the VHP and its leaders. It is an insult that has been returned,’’ says a VHP leader from Ahmedabad.

After becoming CM, Modi has stopped the VHP from interfering in administration matters. ‘‘Earlier, the VHP used to have a say in a lot of matters, including transfers of police officers. Now Modi does not toe their line. This is one reason why Togadia and company are peeved,’’ says a Modi aide.

But Zadaphia maintains that the decision to stay away from the ministry was his own. ‘‘I don’t want to be a party to a government which does not keep the interests of party leaders and workers in mind. My decision has nothing to do with the VHP,’’ he says.

Apart from rebel BJP MLAs, other MLAs of the party, and VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders have backed Zadaphia. Godhra MLA Haresh Bhatt, who was present at the BJP office this evening to demand that the show-cause notice to Zadaphia be withdrawn, says: ‘‘Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to Zadaphia.’’