In my life, this election was the most difficult: Minister of Union Rupala

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala said on Wednesday in Rajkot that this election had been the biggest challenge of his political career.

As he admitted to internal conflict within the party, the BJP MP dwelt on the obstacles faced over time.

Rupala sought forgiveness from the Kshatriya community, saying unity was required for national development.

Voting for 25 constituencies in Gujarat was held on May 7.

The apology extended to the Prime Minister, Modiji, and other fellow colleagues, he said, had been of telling his sorrow for past mistakes.

The elections having concluded, Rupala continued his apology, stating reconciliation.

He also stated that plans for traveling to the four remaining phases of the election had yet to be confirmed.

In regions dominated by the Kshatriya community, voter turnout tends to be notably high.

Rupala encountered difficulties following a controversial statement made during a Dalit community event in Rajkot on March 2, where he commented on the behavior of the maharajas.

A Patel himself, Rupala's remarks about the Kshatriya community ignited controversy.

Kshatriyas and Patels wield significant political influence in Gujarat.

The aggrieved Kshatriya community organized, forming a coordination committee comprising 92 organizations across the state.

Despite demands for Rupala's withdrawal as a candidate, the BJP remained steadfast, leading to intensified protests and disruptions in Kshatriya-dominated campaign areas.

Approximately 70 lakh or 10 percent of Gujarat's population comprises the Kshatriya community, wielding considerable electoral sway, especially in pivotal constituencies like Jamnagar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Bhavnagar, Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Anand, and Bharuch.