Rajkot: A political controversy has erupted in Rajkot after a sting video allegedly showing a former BJP corporator demanding money to withdraw a complaint related to construction work went viral.

According to the contractor, the issue began after a complaint was filed with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) alleging illegal construction during renovation work at a house in Raviratna Park. The complaint was allegedly submitted by former BJP corporator Anil Makwana, following which civic officials inspected the site and stopped the construction.

Contractor Dilipbhai Vagadia, who was carrying out renovation work at his relative’s house, claimed that he later contacted Makwana after learning that the complaint had been filed from an email ID named “Chowkidar Anil.” He said he was called for a meeting at the Circuit House on February 7.

On the evening of February 7, Dilipbhai and Anilbhai met at the Circuit House. During the meeting, Dilipbhai said the demand of Rs 3 lakh was too high, to which Anilbhai allegedly replied that only Rs 25,000–50,000 could be adjusted as a matter of courtesy, but there would be no compromise as expected. During the 10-minute meeting, while leaving, he reportedly told Dilipbhai, “I am a public person. I cannot withdraw the application; my hands will be tied. Elections are approaching.”

Later, on the morning of February 12, another meeting took place between Dilipbhai and Anilbhai in the open ground outside the Circuit House. During this meeting, a video of which has now gone viral, Anil Makwana allegedly repeated his earlier demand and could be heard saying that he wanted to organise a mass marriage through his trust and that expenses would be involved. He then said that at least Rs 1.25 lakh would be required and not a single rupee less would do, before leaving the spot. Dilipbhai, however, could be heard offering Rs 60,000 as the final amount.

Former corporator denies allegations

While the authenticity of the video is yet to be verified by authorities, the former corporator has denied the allegations and termed the video part of a conspiracy to defame him.
“This video has been circulated to malign my image. The voice is AI-generated and I will file a complaint with cybercrime,” he told the media.

BJP seeks explanation, hints at action

Meanwhile, Rajkot city BJP president Madhav Dave said the party has taken the matter seriously.
“The BJP is a disciplined party and strict action has been taken in similar cases earlier. A video has gone viral in which the former corporator is seen talking about money. We will seek an explanation from him. His phone is switched off, so he will be called to the party office and his statement will be heard before further action,” he said.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the city, with demands for a detailed probe into the allegations and the circumstances under which the construction complaint was filed. DeshGujarat