The Gujarat BJP’s most powerful general secretary, Pradipsinh Vaghela, in charge of the party’s units in Ahmedabad and Surat cities, and also the party’s State headquarters in Gandhinagar, has suddenly resigned from his post, sparking speculation over alleged corruption, and factionalism in the State unit.
Mr. Vaghela confirmed that he had resigned. Party insiders insisted that he had been “asked to step down immediately after the message came from Delhi”, suggesting the resignation was not voluntary.
“I have resigned,” Mr. Vaghela told The Hindu, adding, “Everything will be sorted out in a few days.” He declined to elaborate further on what would be sorted out, and the circumstances leading to his resignation.
The State BJP has not spelt out why it’s most powerful general secretary has resigned, and why he has not been seen at Srikamalam, the sprawling BJP headquarters where he was in-charge as one of the key players running the party’s organisation across the State.
Following speculation in local media, party general secretary Rajni Patel told media persons, “Pradipsinh Vaghela resigned on personal grounds”, while also refusing to elaborate.
Mr. Vaghela has held the post since 2016 and his resignation comes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due in 2024.
According to some insiders, the party leadership in Delhi has reportedly learnt of Mr. Vaghela’s alleged involvement in some land-related matters, and his alleged interference in the Gujarat University.
He is the second general secretary of the State unit to have resigned or have his resignation sought. In April this year, Bhargav Bhatt was apparently relieved of his post as a general secretary of the party. No explanation was provided then by the party.
Of the four general secretaries in the BJP’s Gujarat unit, only two are left — Rajni Patel and Vinod Chavda.
Mr. Vaghela’s career in politics began in Gujarat University, where he was elected a senate member from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Since 2020, Mr. Vaghela has emerged as the most powerful general secretary in charge of south Gujarat, which includes the cities of Surat and Ahmedabad city, and the party’s headquarters in Gandhinagar.
