Junagadh MP faces people’s ire in Sutrapada village

Sitting MP and the

Junagadh

BJP candidate,

Rajesh Chudasama

, had to beat a hasty retreat after facing opposition from the people while campaigning in a

Sutrapada village

in Gir-Somnath district on Tuesday night.

Videos of people protesting Chudasama’s presence were doing the rounds on social media on Wednesday. Chudasama had gone to Bhuvatimbi village to attend a religious function that was to be followed by a traditional lok dayro programme.

The programme was organized by the Karadiya Rajput community and the chief priest of the temple., However, as soon as Chudasama arrived on the stage, people started shouting slogans.

Some even hurled water bottles and cushions on to the dais. In the video, the announcer is seen desperately pleading with the people to take their seats and refrain from unruly behaviour.

At one point, the frustrated announcer is also heard invoking local deity Bhawani Mata while asking the people to maintain calm. His pleas fell on deaf ears.

Sources said members of the Karadiya Rajput community opposed Chudasama’s renomination for the Junagadh seat. Before

Chudasama

, the seat was held by the tainted MP

Dinu Solanki

, who is also from the Karadiya Rajput community.

Eyewitnesses said some 5,000 people had gathered at the venue and resorted to protests. Ultimately, local BJP leaders had to take Chudasama out from the back of the stage.

Speaking to mediapersons later, Chudasama said, "It’s a very unfortunate incident. I went there as I was invited by the organizers. I have also used my grant for development work at the temple." According to sources, the protest sparked tension in some villages as Kolis groups started mobilizing against Karadiya community members. While the Karadiyas are against Chudasama, Kolis are his staunch supporters.

This is the not the first time Chudasama has had to face the people’s ire. A few days ago, people at Shepa village of Mangrol taluka also protested against the MP when he went there to campaign and address a public gathering. Shepa residents had complained that the MP had not visited the village in the last five years and didn’t fulfil his promises.