Shankarsinh Vaghela's caste remarks stir Gujarat politics ahead of 2027 elections

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela has triggered a caste politics row with controversial remarks made during an address to a tribal gathering in Narmada district on October 2. While discussing reservation as compensation for tribal suffering, Vaghela stated that those opposed to reservation should take up manual scavenging work, offering ₹50,000. He named Brahmins, Patels and Vanias during this remark.

The statement drew swift backlash from members of these communities across media and social platforms. Vaghela offered a clarification but refused to apologise, insisting he said what he meant and critics misunderstood his point. The timing coincides with reports of Vaghela's potential return to Congress, with both sides confirming recent meetings to discuss his re-entry to defeat the BJP.

Vaghela's remarks appear deliberate rather than inadvertent, reigniting Gujarat's caste politics ahead of the 2027 state elections.