Ahmedabad – A major controversy erupted in Gujarat after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrated their municipal election victory by displaying posters of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
The incident occurred on February 18 at Sonawala High School in Ahmedabad, where a video of the celebrations went viral on social media, triggering widespread public criticism. BJP had secured a sweeping victory in the Junagadh Municipal Corporation elections on February 16, winning 48 out of 60 seats.
During post-election rallies in Mehsana and other areas, some BJP supporters were seen cheering and waving banners featuring Bishnoi, raising concerns about the glorification of criminals in political events. Opposition leaders and public figures strongly condemned the act, calling it an insult to Gujarat’s legacy of non-violence championed by Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.
Following public outrage, Gujarat police took swift action, arresting two individuals in Kheda district on February 19. Initially suspected of having criminal links, investigations later revealed they were merely expressing admiration for Bishnoi as an act of “fandom.”
Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gangster involved in over 70 criminal cases, including extortion, murder, and organized crime. His gang is linked to several high-profile crimes, most notably the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. Despite being in jail since 2015, Bishnoi continues to wield influence in India’s criminal underworld.
The Gujarat incident has reignited debates about the glorification of criminals in political and public spheres, raising concerns over their growing influence in mainstream discourse.
