In a remarkable display of public service commitment, former Gujarat Industries Minister and BJP MLA Balvantsinh Rajput has officially declared that he performed his ministerial duties without accepting any salary or allowances. The Sidhpur constituency representative made this revelation in a formal communication to the Secretary of Gujarat Assembly.
Formal Declaration After Cabinet Reshuffle
The disclosure came in response to an official letter from the Assembly Secretariat that sought specific details regarding his salary and allowances as a legislator. This correspondence was initiated following Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's recent cabinet reorganization, in which Rajput was not included in the new ministerial team.
Rajput's formal communication, dated November 2025, clearly stated that throughout his tenure as Industries Minister, he consistently refrained from drawing any form of salary or ministerial allowances. The BJP leader emphasized that his service to the public was driven by dedication rather than financial compensation.
Continuing the Commitment as MLA
Demonstrating his consistent approach to public service, the former minister further announced that he would maintain this practice in his current capacity as Member of Legislative Assembly. Rajput explicitly stated that he will continue to forgo all allowances entitled to him as an MLA, reinforcing his principle of selfless service.
The timing of this revelation is particularly significant, coming shortly after the cabinet changes implemented by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The reshuffle, which saw several ministerial positions reassigned, provided the context for the Assembly Secretariat's routine inquiry into compensation details of former ministers.
Political Implications and Public Service Ethics
This unusual disclosure highlights several important aspects of political service and financial ethics in public office. By voluntarily refusing monetary benefits that he was legally entitled to receive, Rajput has set a distinctive precedent in Gujarat's political landscape.
The former Industries Minister's decision to serve without financial compensation reflects a growing trend among some public officials who prioritize service over personal gain. His commitment extends beyond his ministerial tenure, as he has pledged to continue this practice despite no longer holding a cabinet position.
This development comes at a time when transparency in political compensation remains a topic of public discussion. Rajput's voluntary disclosure and consistent stance on refusing allowances provide a unique case study in political ethics and public service motivation within the Indian political system.
