”I am contesting from my husband’s constituency of Ellisbridge in Ahmedabad seeking justice for him from the people’s court,” she added, announcing her candidature on Thursday.
Haren Pandya , a former BJP minister earned the ire of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi when he refused to vacate his Ellisbridge seat to enable him to get elected to the Vidhan Sabha in 2001. Modi had to contest from Rajkot to fulfil the mandatory requirement as he was not an elected legislator when he became the chief minister replacing Keshubhai Patel. Pandya was killed on March 26, 2003 while on a morning walk in a plush part of the city. Haren Pandya was earlier the minister of state for home in the Keshubhai Patel government.
Jagruti makes it clear that her husband’s killing was a political murder and her decade long fight for justice has been in vain. ”I shall nevertheless continue with my battle undaunted, “ she maintains.
“Justice for Haren" is her poll cry, as she pitches in while expressing her dejection with the BJP. ”My husband gave his life for the party but he was betrayed both in life and death,” she points out, her voice quivering as she tried vainly to get a hold over her emotions.