Rajkot BJP Leader Begins Hunger Strike Protesting Against Crumbling Roads And Potholes Amid Monsoon
Rajkot: Frustration over the worsening condition of Rajkot’s roads has once again boiled over, particularly during the monsoon season. With pothole-ridden streets posing serious safety risks, even leaders from the ruling party have now taken a stand. BJP leader Narendrasinh Rathod has launched a hunger strike, protesting the poor state of roads, especially on the route leading to Kankot.
The road in question is a vital connector between Kankot village, engineering and government colleges, Lalbai Trivedi College, and a number of hotels in the area. Thousands of vehicles traverse this stretch daily. Commuters, especially students and local residents, face significant hardship navigating the road’s broken surface.
Despite numerous complaints and written representations by citizens over the years, authorities have failed to take concrete action. Rathod has accused the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) of negligence and inaction. Rathod clarified that his protest is not politically motivated but a citizen-led effort to demand accountability. “This is not a party event; it is a social responsibility,” he stated. He revealed that petitions regarding the road’s condition have been submitted over the past three years, with no response from RMC officials, including the Municipal Commissioner.
On July 2, Rathod submitted a formal request demanding road repairs within ten days, warning that he would go on a hunger strike if no action was taken. As no steps were taken, he began his fast today. Calling the municipal system “unaccountable,” Rathod said he has appealed to both the Chief Minister and Prime Minister to reform the RMC by establishing a dedicated committee to oversee corrective measures. He also expressed concern over the financial losses faced by vehicle owners due to the poor road conditions.
He highlighted that even RMC’s own electric buses have been damaged by these roads, pointing to the broader impact of infrastructural neglect on public resources.
Rathod criticized both the BJP and Congress, stating that both parties are playing politics over the issue of road infrastructure while citizens continue to suffer. He also condemned the RMC for its selective enforcement of property taxes, sealing homes of poor and cancer-afflicted individuals, while failing to provide basic amenities like proper roads.
His protest has drawn support from local society residents and concerned citizens, who are now calling for immediate intervention and permanent solutions.
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