Protest in Gujarat: Hundreds of people, mostly Dalits, gathered in Gujarat Gondal, approximately 250 kilometers from Ahmedabad, to protest an alleged “caste-based” attack on Sanjay Solanki, a functionary of the Opposition Congress’s student wing, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).
Solanki claimed he was kidnapped and taken to a deserted farm in Gondal, where he was threatened with a firearm in the presence of Jyotiradityasinh Jadeja, the 25-year-old son of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Geetaba Jadeja. Jyotiradityasinh was arrested on June 6.
Protest in Gujarat:
The First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case detailed Solanki’s allegations that he was forced to remove his clothes while others recorded videos of the assault.
This incident followed an altercation between Solanki and Jyotiradityasinh on May 30 over the latter’s reckless driving. The protests, organized by Dalit communities, sought to address the violence and intimidation allegedly perpetuated by the Jadeja family.
Involvement of BJP Lawmaker’s Son:
Jyotiradityasinh’s involvement in the incident has sparked significant outrage, given his connection to the ruling party and his mother, Geetaba Jadeja.
The protests aimed to challenge the perceived misuse of power and the attempt to silence dissent through intimidation.
Community Response and Rally Demands on Protest in Gujarat:
Yuva Bhim Sena Gujarat founder DD Solanki stated that the rally was a response to the intimidation tactics used by Jyotiradityasinh’s father, Jayrajsinh Jadeja, and his associates.
The protestors demanded swift action against Solanki’s attackers, a fast-track court for the speedy resolution of the case, and an end to the lawlessness in Gondal. Approximately 10,000 people from around 200 villages participated in the protest.
Counter-Protest and Local Bandh:
In response, supporters of Jayrajsinh Jadeja called for a bandh (shutdown) in Gondal, which closed the local market for the day.
Jayrajsinh Jadeja claimed they had not formally called for the bandh but expressed gratitude to those who voluntarily closed their shops in support.
He emphasized that the bandh was peaceful and appreciated the support from all communities, including the Dalits.
Jayrajsinh Jadeja’s Statement:
Jayrajsinh Jadeja refused to comment directly on the allegations against his son, maintaining his belief in the judicial system.
He remarked, “Some of the people in the rally made some allegations, but I would not like to comment on such people, and there is a difference between them and me. I fully believe in the law and that justice will be delivered.”
Political Background of the Jadeja Family:
Jayrajsinh Jadeja has been a dominant political figure in Gondal since 1998, despite being sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for the murder of a real estate agent in 2004 and currently being out on conditional bail.
He was elected to the Gujarat assembly from Gondal in 1998, 2002, and 2012, and his wife, Geetaba Jadeja, won the assembly seat in 2017 and 2022.
