Vajubhai Vala is considered to be the most senior leader in Gujarat politics. Vala has returned to Rajkot after retiring as Karnataka governor, but there is a lot of speculation about whether he will play any role in the BJP. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on his 65th birthday, on Monday, bowed before veteran leader Vajubhai and sought his blessings. Vajubhai later told the media that the BJP was to be taken forward, not wiped out. It is clear from these words that there is a political gesture that Vajubhai would be given an important position in the BJP. Vajubhai’s entry into Gujarat’s active politics is certain, but all eyes are on what position he will take.
Rupani said that with Vajubhai’s arrival in Rajkot, the workers will get the warmth of an elder. Vajubhai has never retired, he added. In different avatars, they will be seen serving the party.
After paying a courtesy call to Rupani, Vala told the media that the former is a fearless leader. I have blessed him. “Party and leaders will talk about the organization in 2022. They do the responsibility that was assigned to Vijaybhai. I don’t want to wipe out anyone; I want to move the BJP forward,” Vala told the reporters.
Regarding the change of BJP general secretary, Vajubhai said that the Sangh was working as per its plan. Ratnakarji has been appointed in place of Bhikhubhai Dalsania as the general secretary of the organization.
After the meeting with Vijay Rupani, Vajubhai said in a statement that the visit was a goodwill visit. When there is a political debate, both the organization and the government sit down together. However, Vajubhai reiterated his statement and claimed that he would work in the BJP as a worker.
Political analysts say Vajubhai is the most senior BJP leader. Vajubhai has also been the state president and has extensive experience in the administrative work of the government as a finance minister. Vajubhai can play the role of troubleshooter in the current state of Gujarat politics, whether it is a matter of coordination between the organization and the government or raising questions about the Patidar leadership. Then he can be given an important responsibility before the election of the year 2022.
This time around, the third front is in the race for the 2022 elections and an atmosphere of mistrust has been created by the Patidar community against the government. While Vajubhai’s entry into politics is imminent and he has also expressed a desire to work in the organization, all eyes are on where and how the national body uses his vast experience.
Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have been involved in national politics for the last eight years. And it is undeniable that there is no bigger and universally accepted face in Gujarat BJP at present. The party is aiming for 150 seats in the 2022 assembly elections. The return of Vajubhai to Gujarat is a clear indication that this is a major step towards curbing BJP’s internal factionalism in the region and giving the organization a re-accepted face.