1996 Dhoti-Pulling Case: AK Patel Released After 29 Years Due To Lack Of Evidence

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-08-22 07:06:19 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-25 09:59:23

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One of the longest-running factional feud cases in Gujarat politics has finally ended, with AK Patel, a former BJP MP released after charges against him for nearly three decades evaporated due to lack of evidence.

It all began in October 1996 when Patel and fellow BJP MP Shankarsinh Vaghela were both in the running to become Gujarat's chief minister. The rivalry between the two camps erupted into a physical fight, with Vaghela alleging that Patel and his associates attacked him at a party meeting in Ahmedabad.

Patel went on to become the Chief Minister of Gujarat from March 1998 to October 2001. Despite his success, the dhoti-pulling incident haunted him for years, remaining a dark cloud over his political career.

After a court in Ahmedabad dismissed the charges due to a lack of evidence, Patel spoke out about the importance of upholding justice and due process. "I have complete faith in our judiciary. I am happy that the truth has finally prevailed after 29 years. I am relieved that this chapter is closed forever and I can move on with my life," he told the press.

For Vaghela, the former MP, the fallout from the dhoti-pulling incident had a much more significant and lasting impact on his political career. He was expelled from the BJP in 1996 and went on to form his political party, the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP).

Despite the rocky start, Vaghela returned to the BJP in 2012, two years after Patel had already retired from politics.

Today, Patel maintains his innocence, stating that the incident was nothing more than a political conspiracy against him by some vested interests.

As for Vaghela, he is now a respected statesman, with no lingering hard feelings, according to a recent statement made by his spokesperson.

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