Introduction
Kantilal Shivlal Amrutiya, widely known as Kanabhai, is a prominent Indian politician born on March 8, 1962. He has made significant contributions to the political landscape of Gujarat, particularly in the Morbi constituency where he has served as a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for five consecutive terms. His political journey is marked by his dedication to his constituents and his involvement in various social movements throughout his life. Recently, he was appointed as the Minister of State in the Government of Gujarat under Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel’s ministry reshuffle, further solidifying his influence in regional politics.
Personal Life
Kanabhai Amrutiya was born into a middle-class Patel family in Jetpar, located in the Morbi district of Gujarat. His early life was characterized by a strong sense of community service; during the devastating floods caused by the Morvi dam failure in the 1970s, he volunteered to help rehabilitate victims. This inclination towards service extended into his youth when he became involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organization that played a pivotal role in mobilizing young people around social issues.
Amrutiya was also heavily engaged in the anti-corruption movement known as the Nav Nirman Movement, which aimed to address rampant corruption within the government and society at large. His educational background includes schooling at V C Technical High School in Morbi, where he likely developed the skills and knowledge that would later aid him in his political career.
Political Career
Kanabhai’s political career began with his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he served as a Swayam Sevak. His early experiences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amrutiya was instrumental in energizing party cadres at the local level, particularly in Morbi District, Saurashtra, and Kutch. He worked tirelessly alongside local industrialists and associates to build a robust support base for the BJP.
His political ascent began when he was elected as a member of Nagarpalika (Municipal Council) of Morbi and later served on the Taluka Panchayat. With guidance from his maternal uncle, Amubhai Aghara, who held significant influence at the constituency level, Amrutiya began to gain traction within the party ranks. By 1995, he had taken command of the party cadre in Morbi and won his first election as an MLA.
Tenure as MLA of Morbi
Since his first election in 1995, Kanabhai has consistently represented the Morbi constituency in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Over the years, he has been recognized for his contributions to governance and public service. Notably, in December 2012, he was awarded the “2nd Best MLA” accolade among 182 MLAs in Gujarat during a survey conducted by Shining India Info Pvt Ltd.
His tenure has not been without challenges; on August 30, 2015, following violent unrest linked to caste-based demands from the Patidar community, Amrutiya resigned from his position as leader of the Morbi Ceramic Federation just days after its headquarters was set ablaze by protestors. This incident highlighted both the volatile political climate in Gujarat and Amrutiya’s commitment to stepping down amid turmoil.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Amrutiya’s political journey has also been marred by legal controversies. In 2004, he and six other individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted by a sessions court for their involvement in a conspiracy that led to the murder of Praveen Raveshia, a former president of the Morbi municipality. The crime took place on September 16, 1999, when Raveshia was stabbed to death in broad daylight.
However, Amrutiya’s conviction faced significant scrutiny over time. In 2007, a two-judge bench of the Gujarat High Court acquitted him of murder charges primarily because many witnesses had turned hostile by that point in the legal proceedings. This acquittal raised questions about witness testimonies and procedural integrity within high-stakes criminal cases.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of now, Kantilal Amr
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