CM Patel flags ‘nation first’ ideology; BJP hits out at Kharge at foundation day event

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday (April 6, 2026) said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not merely a political party but a platform to serve the nation with a “nation first” approach, while the party’s state leadership launched a sharp attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his alleged remarks on Gujaratis.

Speaking at the BJP’s 47th Foundation Day celebrations in Gandhinagar, State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma criticised Mr. Kharge for reportedly referring to Gujaratis as “illiterate” and “foolish”, calling it an insult to the people of the state. He said Gujaratis would give a “befitting reply” to what he described as a “Gujarat virodhi mindset”.

The event was held at the party’s State headquarters ‘Shri Kamalam’, where Mr. Patel and Mr. Vishwakarma hoisted the party flag and paid tributes to Bharat Mata, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Addressing party workers, Mr. Patel urged them to remain calm and measured in their responses to rumours, highlighting the ripple effects of ongoing tensions in West Asia on the global situation.

He said the prevailing international situation was unlikely to ease immediately and was affecting countries worldwide, including India. He stressed that BJP workers should be mindful of their conduct in such circumstances.

“The situation in Gujarat is stable and the government is closely monitoring essential supplies, including food grains, electricity, water, petrol, diesel and cooking gas. At present, there is no difficulty,” he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s leadership, Mr. Patel expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that they would ensure stability in fuel prices.

He cautioned party workers against reacting impulsively to misinformation, saying opponents could attempt to create disturbances through rumours. “This is not the time for politics,” he said, urging workers to remain composed in their responses.

The Chief Minister also said the BJP’s journey reflects ideological commitment and organisational strength, even during periods when it had minimal representation in Parliament. He said party workers function with a sense of national duty rather than electoral considerations.

Mr. Patel referred to the abrogation of Article 370 and credited Prime Minister Modi for expanding Gujarat’s development model to the national stage. He said the party’s approach of delivering on its promises has helped build sustained public trust.

He also pointed to Gujarat’s economic growth, noting that the state budget has risen from ₹9,000 crore in earlier years to ₹4.08 lakh crore. He cited initiatives such as 33% reservation for women as examples of the party’s long-term planning.

In his address, Mr. Vishwakarma said the Foundation Day marks a renewed commitment to national pride and ideological roots. Tracing the party’s evolution from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he said it has grown into a major political force due to its adherence to democratic values.

Recalling key moments in the party’s history, he referred to the Emergency period and quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to underline the BJP’s rise from the margins to power.

Mr. Vishwakarma said the BJP is not driven by dynastic politics but represents a democratic structure where even an ordinary worker can rise to the top. He also called on party workers to intensify efforts ahead of the upcoming local body elections and work towards ensuring BJP’s victory across all levels.

Senior leaders, office-bearers and a large number of party workers were present at the event.