Rajkot: Amidst the protests by the Kshatriya community against Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Rajkot, Mandhatasinh Jadeja, today came forward in support of Rupala, urging the Kshatriyas to settle the dispute as Rupala has apologised several times for his comments.

Speaking to the media, Mandhatasinh Jadeja said, “Recently, Parshottambhai Rupala, the BJP’s candidate from Rajkot, made remarks about kings that deeply offended the honour, respect, and self-respect of the daughters of the Kshatriya community. I was profoundly hurt upon hearing this. The statement from a learned cabinet minister was particularly painful for me as a member of the royal family. I personally called him, expressing my anger and urging him to rectify his mistake.”

“Parshottambhai’s apology video was widely circulated in the media, and later, at a Kshatriya community event, Rupala apologized with folded hands. He also met the revered saint of the Kshatriya community, Lal Bapu, seeking forgiveness. The Gujarat BJP Chief also appealed to the Kshatriya community, with folded hands, to show magnanimity and forgive Rupala,” he added.

Mandhatasinh also stated, “As a Kshatriya and a member of the royal family, I urge everyone, including the Kshatriya society and the Bharatiya Janata Party, to resolve the issue amicably through dialogue, considering the public interest.”

Furthermore, he encouraged women to lead their lives instead of resorting to drastic measures like Jauhar. 

It is also noteworthy that Mandhatasinh, another prominent former royal from Rajkot, has come out in support of Rupala. Earlier, Kesridevsinh Jhala, who is from the Wankaner Royal family and also a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, was present at the meeting in Gondal when Rupala publicly apologised.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Rupala is on a two-day tour of Tamil Nadu to campaign for the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. DeshGujarat