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

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel emphasizes a ‘nation first’ ideology at BJP's Foundation Day, criticizing Congress leader Kharge's remarks on Gujaratis.

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.