The state unit of the BJP once again stuck to its customary practice of “symbolism” and “photo session” during the Run for Unity organised to observe the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in remembrance of the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The marathon was from Satwari Chowk to MA stadium — a distance of 5.9 km. The party state president, ministers, MLAs and MLCs assembled early morning at Satwari Chowk to flag off the runners.
In its symbolic gesture, the party bigwigs flagged off the marathoners, ran a couple of yards with them, got photos clicked, but none made it to the culmination point at the MA Stadium.
“Had some minister, MLA or MLC run along with the marathoners, it would have been a strong gesture of “rashtriya ekta”, but after flagging us off, some stayed back while others went home in their vehicles,” said a marathoner at the culmination point.
Another participant alleged the BJP had already lost its connect with the people of the region. No minister or MLA was available for addressing public grievances, he said. “The run was a great opportunity for the BJP to observe Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel’s birthday while joining the crowd to show its connect with the people,” he said.
BJP state spokesperson Virendra Gupta declined to comment saying the answer could be better taken from those who did not run.
On the occasion, before flagging off the runners, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said Sardar Patel was a true patriot who believed in the complete unification of all states into the mighty nation.
BJP leaders fail to connect with marathoners at Run for Unity
