Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela has unveiled his latest political venture, the Prajashakti Democratic Party, marking his third attempt to establish a new party. With plans to contest upcoming municipal, panchayat, and assembly elections, Vaghela aims to redefine Gujarat’s political equation. Critics suggest the move could split votes, potentially favoring the BJP in key constituencies.
By PC Bureau
AHMEDABAD: Shankarsinh Vaghela, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a veteran politician with ties to the RSS, Jana Sangh, BJP, Congress, and NCP, has announced his return to active politics by launching the Prajashakti Democratic Party.
This marks Vaghela’s third attempt at forming a political party, following his previous transitions between the BJP, Congress, and NCP.
“I left the BJP when it was at its zenith. Even when I exited Congress, the possibility of forming a government remained strong. The idea that a third party cannot succeed in Gujarat is a myth. Look at Kejriwal—he emerged despite Congress ruling Delhi for 15 years,” Vaghela declared, emphasizing his determination to succeed with his new party.
The Prajashakti Democratic Party, officially registered with the Gujarat State Election Commission, has been assigned the symbol of a javelin throw. Riddhirajsinh Parmar of Danta, Banaskantha, has been named party president, with a grand convention and office inauguration planned for December 22 in Adalaj.
Vaghela’s recent attendance at the “Kshatriya Samaj Sammelan” and a private meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Gandhinagar’s Circuit House have fueled speculation about his intentions.
A Strategic Gamble?
Political analyst Dilip Patel downplayed Vaghela’s influence, stating, “Shankarsinh Vaghela’s political relevance in Gujarat is negligible. His new party appears more like a tactical move to benefit the BJP by dividing the Kshatriya vote, which could otherwise shift toward Congress due to dissatisfaction with the BJP post-Lok Sabha elections.”
Patel added that Vaghela’s history of aiding the BJP—whether as part of Congress or after leaving it—underscores his role as a disruptor in Gujarat’s political landscape.
Vaghela’s political journey has been marked by frequent shifts. After parting ways with the BJP in 1996, he formed the Rashtriya Janata Party, which later merged with Congress. He launched Janvikalp ahead of the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections and aligned with the NCP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2021, he expressed interest in rejoining Congress before now unveiling the Prajashakti Democratic Party.
With plans to field candidates in municipal, panchayat, and assembly elections, Vaghela’s return signals yet another attempt to reshape Gujarat’s political narrative.
