Valsad/Dang | Gujarat — In a sharp political turn in South Gujarat’s tribal belt, banners have appeared across villages in support of BJP MP from Valsad and Dang, and Lok Sabha BJP Whip, Dhaval Patel. The banners, put up by tribal youth in Dharampur assembly constituency, accuse the Congress party and Vansda MLA Anant Patel of deliberately misleading locals over the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project.
The tribal community in Narmada, Tapi, Surat, Valsad and Dang districts has been protesting against the project for years. However, supporters of the BJP say the opposition is now based on misinformation.
“The Congress is spreading lies about the Par-Tapi-Narmada project to create political mileage,” reads one of the banners spotted in villages like Jagiri, Nadgadhari Road, Barda, Shishumal, and Pandalkhadak.
MP Dhaval Patel’s Assurance
Speaking to tribal villagers, MP Dhaval Patel reiterated that the Par-Tapi-Narmada project was cancelled in 2022 by both the Gujarat government and the Centre. “No work will be done under this project. Congress leaders are creating fear among our people for their own political roadmap,” Patel said, urging locals not to fall for false narratives.
Patel emphasised that the BJP government has always prioritised the welfare of tribal communities, citing various developmental schemes implemented in the region.
Villagers’ Support for Modi and Patel
Several residents have openly expressed their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Dhaval Patel. “We trust our PM and Dhavalbhai completely. They have always worked for us, and we know they will protect our rights,” said Ramesh Chaudhary, a young farmer from Dharampur.
The villages where banners have been placed now stand as visible symbols of political loyalty towards the BJP in an area where Congress has historically tried to maintain its influence.
Political Stakes Ahead
The Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project has once again become a flashpoint in South Gujarat politics. While opposition leaders call it a threat to tribal land and resources, the BJP insists the project is defunct and the agitation is being fuelled by misinformation.
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