The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat has alleged that its workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by police amid the party’s growing presence in the state, ahead of upcoming local self-government elections.
Addressing the issue in a video statement, Gujarat AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is “so rattled” by the party’s expansion that “without any reason, Aam Aadmi Party workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by the police.” He further alleged that “more than one and a half hundred workers have been booked under FIRs and have been arrested.”
Referring to a recent incident, Gadhvi said that Saurashtra Zone President Prakashbhai Donga “was also arrested during the process of filing the nomination form.” He questioned the basis of such actions, asking, “What is the crime of the Aam Aadmi Party? Is becoming the voice of the people of Gujarat a crime? Is raising voice for farmers, the poor, the deprived and the oppressed a crime?” He added, “If that is a crime, then we are ready to face the punishment.”
Gadhvi also appealed to voters, stating that in the upcoming elections, “attempts will be made to intimidate and threaten the candidates,” but asserted that the party “will not be afraid and will continue the fight strongly.” He urged voters that “when you go to the booth on the day of voting, do not forget the broom button,” calling it “a symbol of prosperity and good governance of Gujarat and a symbol of giving strong support to those who are fighting.”