Amreli:  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , Gujarat veteran  Dr. Bharat Kanabar, who is also former Amreli district BJP president, publicly condemned the party’s decision to bar individuals over the age of 60 from contesting local elections.

In a social media post, Dr. Kanabar labeled the policy as “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic,” sparking a  debate over the treatment of senior citizens in politics.

A Harsh Comparison to “Uncultured Families”

Dr. Kanabar’s critique was particularly pointed regarding the party’s perceived hypocrisy. He noted that while the party actively seeks the votes of senior citizens, it is unwilling to provide them with representation.

Most provocatively, he compared the party’s stance to that of “uncultured families” where elders are neglected and ignored,. He questioned whether a party that prides itself on singing the praises of Indian culture and its high traditions wants to join the ranks of such “ungrateful” families by excluding its seniors.

Merit Over “Artificial” Age Limits

Speaking in an interview with a local Gujarati news TV channel, Dr. Kanabar argued that in a democracy, the selection of candidates should be based on eligibility and merit rather than “artificial” or “arbitrary” age limits. He emphasized that such restrictions are a blow to the morale and self-confidence of senior workers who have spent decades carrying the party’s flag and working at the grassroots level.

He further noted that by excluding seasoned leaders, society is deprived of the wisdom, knowledge, and practical experience that only veterans can offer,. “This decision creates an impression that senior citizens are physically or mentally incapable of taking responsibility, which is not fair,” Kanabar stated.

Timing and Loyalty

When questioned about why he raised these objections after the nomination process had already concluded, Dr. Kanabar explained that he purposefully waited to avoid creating unnecessary controversy or conflict while the process was active.

Despite his sharp criticism, Dr. Kanabar maintained his identity as a loyal party worker of 40 years. He clarified that he has no intention of leaving the party or taking further drastic actions, but felt it was his duty to bring this “unfair” practice to the party’s attention for future “rethinking”.

Demands for Wider Discussion

The veteran leader’s post has concluded with a call for a wide-ranging discussion within the party regarding the long-term effects of this policy. He remains steadfast in his belief that while young people should certainly be given opportunities, it should not come at the cost of excluding those who have the capacity and the desire to serve their communities.

As the local elections approach, the BJP leadership now faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of its senior rank-and-file, who feel increasingly sidelined by the new “youth-centric” criteria.

Dr. Bharat Kanbar @KANABARDr ‘s post on X.com

Translation from Gujarati

“Regarding BJP’s decision for senior citizens

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to field workers over 60 years of age as candidates in local body elections demands a wide debate.

In a democracy, the votes of senior citizens are needed, but not their representation. Why should such injustice allowed?

Moreover, the decision creates the impression as if senior citizens are physically and mentally incapable of taking any responsibility and this is a serious blow to their morale and self-confidence. In many uncivilized families, elders are ignored. Does the party that sings the praises of the noble traditions of Indian culture want to sit in the ranks of such families?

Even by democratic standards, this decision is undemocratic and unconstitutional. Not only that, but due to such a hasty decision, society will be deprived of the knowledge and wisdom of a very experienced and practical section.

This decision, which will have far-reaching effects on society, should be widely discussed within the party.”