Botad: BJP MLA from Gadhada, Shambhunath Tundiya, has stirred controversy after appointing a proxy to attend coordination committee meetings, citing lack of time.

In a letter to the Deputy Collector (Prant Officer) of Shihor, Tundiya said he is unable to attend district and taluka coordination committee meetings due to lack of time. He has, therefore, appointed a personal representative to attend such meetings on his behalf, discuss development proposals, and submit representations in his absence.

The move has sparked criticism from the opposition, which questioned whether an elected MLA can delegate his responsibilities while continuing to enjoy the perks of office. Critics argue that escaping accountability after being elected amounts to cheating the people of Gadhada. Locals say that if the MLA has no time even for meetings, it is unrealistic to expect him to address pressing issues like education, healthcare, water supply, roads, and security, which remain neglected in villages across Vallabhipur, Umrala, and Gadhada. They demand that Tundiya should resign if he cannot fulfil his duties, so that people can elect a suitable representative.

Questions have also been raised about the legality of an MLA appointing a personal representative for official government meetings.