Why Gulab Chand Kataria’s ‘quiet return’ made noise in Udaipur

Congress’s Udaipur candidate and All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said the governor must resign before touring Udaipur. It echoed Gehlot’s criticism of Dhankhar when the CM said there was “no logic” in the vice president visiting the state frequently during elections. Last week, Vallabh even shot off a letter to the Election Commission (EC) to complain about Kataria’s presence in Udaipur.

Responding to the criticism, Kataria told The Indian Express, “I have been a representative of the people of Udaipur for 40 years. If on Diwali I come home and people meet me at my residence, what’s wrong with that? I have worked with these party workers for decades. They are like my sons. So, when I come to the city and they want to meet me, I can’t say no. If the Election Commission asks me about it, I will answer.”

While Dhankhar’s visits and meetings were public and he even penned a poem on the “pain” of being dragged into a controversy, Kataria arrived quietly in the city and avoided the public glare till the news of his arrival became public after local media got wind of his visit to Tank’s house. Kataria did not make any statement at the time.

Emphasising this, Vallabh said, “Every post has some dignity attached to it. If a Governor of another state begins touring the city secretly in the night, questions will be asked. It does not affect me … but if you want to come, first resign.”

What Kataria was up to

BJP sources said Kataria stayed in the city for a good seven days and departed only last Friday. They said the Governor’s presence in the city might be the subject of the Congress’s attacks but added that it was essential to ensuring that the party wins Udaipur City without any hiccups. Kataria has won the Assembly constituency seven times since 1977, with a winning streak going back to 2003. He was appointed Assam Governor in February.

“He operated out of his residence, and held a series of meetings with local party workers and leaders,” said a senior city BJP leader. “All councillors were also called. He is the tallest leader of the party in the region and commands high respect among party workers. They have been demoralised since his departure. While this is a BJP bastion, being complacent can be dangerous. He has ensured that cadres are re-energised and do not lose sight of the effort they are required to put in.”

BJP insiders also pointed out that the leadership had fielded old party hand Tarachand Jain from Udaipur City. Jain has held significant party posts in Udaipur district in the past and is an experienced campaigner, but is chiefly known as Kataria’s detractor.

“Before Kataria was made Governor, Jain was trying to create his own space in the city. This led to some friction. So, those who have worked for decades under the leadership of Kataria find it difficult to align with Jain,” said a leader close to the Governor.

Those who have traditionally voted for the BJP also bring this up. “Jain’s candidature was a bit of a surprise because he was perceived to be anti-Kataria. But later it was said it was with Kataria’s blessing that he was made a candidate. We don’t know what happened,” said Lakshit Sharma, a BJP voter in the city, underlining that he would continue to support the party.

Some BJP sources, however, said whatever differences existed between the two leaders were recently buried in the party’s interests. Jain, in his media statements, defended Kataria saying it was the Governor’s city and he could visit any time.

“There are traditional BJP votes which will come to the party. But Kataria ji could swing fence-sitters too. That is where we have to work harder this time,” said a BJP leader.