Surat, Jun 15 (IANS): Gujarat's veteran political leader and Kshatriya Rajput, Shankersinh Vaghela has demanded that Bhavnagar's erstwhile ruler Krushna Kumarsinhji Gohil should be bestowed with Bharat Ratna award. He appealed to Akhil Gujarat Kshatriya Rajput Samaj to pass a resolution demanding Bharat Ratna for the former ruler.

Vaghela was addressing members of Akhil Gujarat Kshatriya Rajput Samaj- South Gujarat wing in Surat, where he gave reasoning why the erstwhile ruler should be conferred with Bharat Ratna. He said, "Sardar Patel became tall leader for uniting India, the nation became one country after merging 562 princely states in one nation. The journey started with the initiative of Bhavnagar ruler Krushna Kumarsinhji. He merged Bhavnagar state with India, so he deserves to be honoured with Bharat Ratna award."

He also said that Sardar Patel's tall statue at Kevadiya is always welcome, but why the princely states' rulers are forgotten. Some 222 princely states from Saurashtra alone merged with India. They too deserve equal respect. Their statues too should be put up with the Statue of Unity.

Vaghela is not the first Rajput leader to demand Bharat Ratna for Krushna Kumarsinhji. Bhavnagar BJP's leader Bhupendrasinh Gohil, Rajkot's P.T. Jadeja and spiritual speaker Morari Bapu had also made similar demands.

Speaking at the event, Vaghela did not hesitate in taunting Rajputs. He questioned how many Rajput MP's are elected to Lok Sabha from Gujarat. When present members replied in negative, Vaghela taunted what are we celebrating, why have we gathered here for?

He drew parallel line between Rajputs and Patidars. When Rajputs ruled, they gave in return a lot to the society, be it infrastructure, schools or other facilities. But Rajputs are doing little for the society today. And look at Patidars, see how they have flourished, they are building schools, hostels and hospitals.