Councillors’ absenteeism in Guj CM’s Tiranga Yatra prompts groupism speculation

Rajkot 15 August, Rajkot : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patels Rajkot Tiranga Yatra has become the talk of the state, particularly in the BJP as a few councilors of Rajkot Municipal Corporation as well as office bearers of the party remained absent from the Yatra.

Sources within the party suggested that it is possible that those who were absent could be the former Chief Minister VijayRupanis groupSources claimed "Vijay Rupani has a huge influence on party employees and leadership in the Saurashtra region, he also enjoys good support from BJP MLAs from the region.

Following he was ordered to step down, he had given cold shoulder to his successor Bhupendra Patel, and even C.R.Patil during their trip to Rajkot." According to sources, around 25 councillors as well as a few office bearers of the party were not present in the Tiranga yatra.

"This is a clear message that the Rupani party is being influenced by the group.Having them sidelined by the Rupani group or him could be detrimental for the party.

" In denial of all allegations, Rajkot BJP city committee president Kamlesh Mirani said to IANS, "In such a massive crowd, its difficult to keep track of every person, so when I heard about the councillors absence, I contacted the party.Nine councillors had been absent.I immediately contacted them.

Four of the councillors were absent of station for personal or social reasons.They have supplied photos in the support of their assertions.

" He doesnt rule out the possibility of fractions and groups in the party but said the issue isnt of seriousness."All programs of the party have been well-run and every office bearer has been there even the Chief Ministers previous events were attended by everyone and there is no doubt of being absent for any reason from the Yatra," Mirani added.haresh/shs .