Vaghela: Real Issue is PM Modi and BJP, Not Gyanesh Kumar
Former Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela claims the real issue is PM Modi and the BJP, not the Election Commission, calling for democratic change.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela has launched a scathing attack on the current administration, asserting that the focus on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is a distraction. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Vaghela claimed that the real issue is PM Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting that the root cause of institutional concerns lies at the very top of the political hierarchy.
'Accountability Rests with the Prime Minister'
Vaghela argued that the current political landscape is heavily influenced by ideological loyalty rather than institutional independence. He suggested that officials associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) might prioritize loyalty to the organization over their constitutional duties.
"Gyanesh Kumar is not the issue. The real issue lies with the people of the Bharatiya Janata Party; the real issue is the Prime Minister of India—him, and him alone," Vaghela stated. He further alleged that because the Prime Minister is a pracharak (propagator) of the RSS, subordinates in the Election Commission, the Home Ministry, or the Reserve Bank may feel compelled to accept his directives without question.
Allegations of Ideological Appointments
The former Chief Minister did not stop at the executive branch, extending his criticism to the judiciary. He alleged that judicial appointments are being influenced by ideological considerations, claiming that certain positions are kept vacant until candidates aligned with the Sangh's ideology are available for selection.
"Look at the judiciary; consider the kind of judges who have been appointed there. Seats are kept vacant until a judge aligned with their specific ideology is available," Vaghela alleged, emphasizing that the problem is not with individual officials like a principal or a doctor, but with the "primary source" at the top.
A Call for Democratic Change
Addressing his motivations, Vaghela clarified that his comments were not driven by personal interest or fear of the Congress party, but were intended to represent the voice of the public. He suggested that a change in government in one or two states is necessary to create a political environment where dialogue with the current leadership becomes possible.
"The point is that the government in one or two states needs to change. If anyone other than the BJP comes to power, we would be able to reach them," he said, noting that the BJP's long-standing rule in Gujarat would require significant effort to overturn.
Defense of Reservation Stance
Vaghela also addressed recent controversies regarding his remarks on reservation. He defended his position, stating that his comments regarding the welfare of tribals, Scheduled Tribes, and farmers were intended to highlight their suffering under current policies. He reaffirmed his support for reservations for women, OBCs, SCs, and STs, while accusing the BJP of being fundamentally opposed to these protections.