Lok Sabha polls: BJP candidate’s poll office opening marred by stir

Asked if a complaint was lodged in the matter, Vora replied in negative while adding that “everyone has a right to freedom of speech and expression in democracy”.

“Today, Vadali police detained some of our community youths fearing that they will protest at the inauguration of BJP’s election office in Vadali. And so, being a leader of the community, I had gone there to protest in their support and many others joined,” Kumpavat said.

Some Kshatriya community members also publicly protested against the BJP in Idar on Saturday. Kumpavat added that the police feared that similar demonstrations would be repeated at the office inauguration event of BJP in Vadali on Sunday.

J M Rabari, sub-inspector at Vadali police station, said, “As the inauguration of BJP’s election office was scheduled, these people (from Kshtriya and Thakro communities) had come to protest. So, we detained 14 of them who were later released.”

BJP leader Rupala, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Rajkot, has been under fire after his remarks at a Dalit event last month. He has been accused of implying that Kshatriya leaders could not stand up to the British during the colonial era.
The community members and leaders have been demanding the withdrawal of his candidature from Rajkot even as the leader has apologised.