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

While Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday (April 6, 2026) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not just a political party but also a platform that serves the nation with a “nation first” approach, the party’s state leadership launched a scathing attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his allegations against Gujaratis.

Speaking at the BJP’s 47th Foundation Day celebrations in Gandhinagar, State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma slammed Mr. Kharge for reportedly referring to Gujaratis as “ignorant” and “stupid” and called it an insult to the people of the state. He said he would give an “appropriate response” to what he described as the “Gujarat virodhi mentality” of Gujaratis.

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 underlined the ripple effects of ongoing tensions in West Asia on the global situation and urged them to remain calm and measured in dealing with rumours.

He said the current international situation is unlikely to improve immediately and is affecting countries around the world, including India. He emphasized that BJP workers should be careful about their behavior in such situations.

“The situation in Gujarat is stable and the government is closely monitoring essential supplies including foodgrains, electricity, water, petrol, diesel and cooking gas. There are no difficulties at present,” he said.

Emphasizing the leadership of the Centre, Mr. Patel expressed his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and stated that they will ensure stability in fuel prices.

He warned party workers not to react impulsively to misinformation and said opponents could try to create discomfort through rumours. “This is not the time for politics,” he said, urging workers to remain calm in their responses.

The Prime Minister also said that the BJP’s journey reflects ideological commitment and organizational strength even during periods when it had minimal representation in Parliament. He said that party employees acted out of a sense of national duty rather than election concerns.

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

He also highlighted Gujarat’s economic growth, stating that the state budget had increased from ₹ 9,000 crore to ₹ 4.08 lakh crore in previous years. He cited initiatives such as 33 per cent reservation for women as examples of the party’s long-term planning.

In his speech, Mr. Vishwakarma said that Foundation Day marks renewed commitment to national pride and ideological roots. Tracing the evolution of the party from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he said it has become a major political force due to its commitment to democratic values.

Recalling important moments in the party’s history, he touched upon the Emergency period and quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting the BJP’s rise to power from the margins.

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 appealed to party workers to intensify their efforts ahead of the upcoming local elections and work to ensure victory of the BJP at all levels.

Senior leaders, office holders and many party workers were present at the event.