Gujarat CM Rupani’s Public Gaffe: Calls Mevani a ‘JNU Product’

His remark comes a day after Booker prize winning Arundhati Roy contributed to Mevani’s crowdfunding campaign.

Addressing a public meeting in Narmada district on Friday, 1 December, Gujarat Chief minister Vijay Rupani branded Dalit Jignesh Mevani a “JNU product,” The Indian Express reported.

His remark came a day after Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy contributed Rs 3,00,000 to Mevani's modest crowdfunding campaign.

Neither Mevani nor Roy are alumni of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

We are devoted to Bharat mata, but in JNU, the same place this Jignesh and others come from, there was a sabha (meeting) of desh drohis. They were saying slogans like ‘Bharat mata murdabad’ and ‘Afzal hum sharminda hain tere kaatil zinda hain’. Rahul (Gandhi) went to their sabha and sat with them. At that time, where was Bharat mata and her temples? Why did you support the traitors? The people of Gujarat need an answer.

Vijay Rupani, Gujarat Chief Minister

Mevani, who started out as a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is now under BJP’s scanner. Mevani quit the party when the Dalit unrest reached its peak last year.

I am not from JNU but I wish Rupaniji studied in JNU because then he would know the difference between Ram’s arrows and ISRO’s missiles.

Mevani to The Indian Express

With Congress’ support, Mevani is now contesting from the reserved seat of Vadgam in Banaskantha district.

While Rupani’s statement targetting Mevani went amiss, it is ironical that 12 JNU alumni work in the senior and middle levels of the Gujarat government, and many more in junior level, including its Chief Secretary.

Historian Sadan Jha told The Indian Express that “the JNU has become a metaphor for rebellion and the BJP is latching on to that image when talking about those who are rebelling and challenging the status quo.”

Of late, BJP’s restlessness has been a result of three youth leaders – Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor, and Mevani – emerging as challengers to the party in power, in turn twisting the election narrative in Gujarat.

Under Rahul Gandhi, Congress also extended a hand and launched negotiations with the youth leaders.

(With inputs from The Indian Express)

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