Sagbara, Gujarat : Former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela (‘Bapu’), a figure who frequently makes headlines with his statements in Gujarat politics, has sparked a major controversy with remarks made at a farmers’ gathering in Sagbara, Narmada district. This statement has triggered a massive uproar across the state’s political and social spheres.

While addressing the farmers’ gathering in Sagbara, Narmada district, former CM Shankersinh Vaghela spoke candidly about reservation and social categories. During his address, he made a controversial statement, asserting that if individuals from the ‘general category’ specifically those from the Vaniya, Brahmin, and Patel communities who oppose reservation and fail to understand the plight of the tribal community were to take up the job of manual scavenging (carrying night soil on their heads), he would be willing to pay them a monthly salary of ₹50,000. A video of this statement by ‘Bapu’ is currently going viral on social media.

Former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela further stated that there are 27 reserved assembly seats, including 10-15 tribal seats where a non-tribal candidate could win if desired citing areas like Karjan, Dabhoi, and Halol. He emphasized that reservation was not granted as a favor; rather, it is compensation for a lifetime of suffering.

He challenged those opposed to reservation whether Patels, Baniyas, or Brahmins saying that if they were willing to take up the job of manual scavenging (carrying night soil), he would pay them a monthly salary of ₹50,000 to do so. He urged them to live in the same conditions as the tribal community without electricity, water, or basic amenities to truly understand the reality of that existence. Reservation serves as redress for years of injustice endured in such conditions.

This statement has sparked widespread outrage across Gujarat. Shankersinh Vaghela is facing severe criticism, particularly from the Brahmin community and other social groups. Organizations representing the Brahmin community and others have condemned the remarks as highly offensive and absurd. Social leaders expressing their dissent stated that it is unbecoming of a senior leader who has held a responsible position like Chief Minister to use such language; they added that if he wishes to glorify such tasks, he should begin by performing them himself. A warning of an intense agitation has been issued unless Shankersinh Vaghela immediately withdraws his statement and apologizes.

The ‘Karmakandi’ Brahmin community of Rajkot has registered a strong protest against the controversial statement made by former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela regarding the Brahmin, Patidar, and Vaniya communities. Condemning the statement in strong terms, Hiren Joshi, the president of the Karmakandi Brahmin community, stated that such remarks are an attempt to sow discord and internal strife within society.

He further remarked that such a statement from a prominent leader like Shankersinh Vaghela reflects his mindset and is merely a bid to gain political mileage and negative publicity. The Brahmin community demands that Shankersinh Vaghela immediately withdraw his statement and apologize. A warning has also been issued that if an apology is not tendered soon, community leaders will unite to launch an intense agitation.

Patidar leader Dinesh Bambhaniya expressed strong indignation over former Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela’s controversial remarks regarding reservation and various communities, terming them “absurd and unfortunate.” Noting that the Patidar, Vaniya, and Brahmin communities have condemned the statement, Bambhaniya alleged that Vaghela made these comments merely to appease other communities rather than engaging in a serious discussion on reservation; he further remarked sarcastically that if Vaghela were to take up the task of manual scavenging, he would be willing to pay him whatever amount he demanded.

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)