Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Pravin Ram, who is currently lodged in Rajkot Central Jail, spent his birthday in custody on Wednesday.
On the occasion, AAP MLA Gopal Italia, along with Pravin Ram’s father, uncle, and other family members, went to the jail to meet him. However, jail authorities did not permit the meeting, according to Italia.
Speaking about the incident, Gopal Italia said that on December 31, 2025, Pravin Ram’s father, family members, and he himself reached Rajkot Central Jail to inquire about Ram’s health and well-being. He stated that entry was initially granted at the main gate, forms were filled, and after completing all formalities, they were asked to wait in the designated area.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="gu" dir="ltr">ખેડૂતો માટે લડતા લડતા જેલમાં યાતના ભોગવી રહેલા અમારા આગેવાન શ્રી <a href="https://twitter.com/PravinRam_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PravinRam_</a> નો આજે જન્મદિવસ છે. <br><br>એમના જન્મદિવસે પ્રવિણભાઈને મળીને તેમના ખબર-અંતર પૂછવા માટે પ્રવિણભાઈના પિતાશ્રી અને કાકા સહિતના પરિવારજનો સાથે રાજકોટ જિલ્લા જેલ ખાતે મુલાકાતમાં જતા જેલ અધિકારી દ્વારા મુલાકાત કરવા… <a href="https://t.co/WfEufhieDg">pic.twitter.com/WfEufhieDg</a></p>— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAPGujarat/status/2006245144107041241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
However, when it was time for the meeting, an internal official informed them that Gopal Italia would not be allowed to meet Pravin Ram. Italia said the official further stated that if he insisted on meeting Ram, then no one else would be permitted to meet him either.
Italia said he repeatedly questioned the officials about which rule, law, or provision prevented the meeting and sought clarification on why he was being stopped. According to him, the officials only responded that they had received instructions “from above.” Despite repeated requests and representations, the officials maintained the same position and denied permission for the meeting.
Italia said he had no objection if the refusal was based on a clear policy or legal provision, but alleged that the jail authorities were unwilling to explain the basis of their decision. He further stated that he then requested permission to meet Pravin Ram in the capacity of a lawyer, but this request was also denied.
According to Italia, the jail officials said they would decide which lawyer would be allowed to meet the inmate. He stated that, generally, any lawyer is permitted to meet a prisoner for legal guidance, and it is not mandatory that only the lawyer handling the case can meet the inmate. He said a prisoner has the right to seek legal advice from any advocate. Italia added that regardless of whether he is Pravin Ram’s lawyer in the case, Ram has the right to seek legal advice from him, describing this as an established rule. He alleged that the jail officials acted arbitrarily even in this matter.
Italia further commented on arrests related to farmer-related issues, stating that people who are fighting for farmers are being kept in jail. He alleged that Junagadh district AAP president Hareshbhai Savaliya, who was involved in farmers’ issues, was jailed after false charges of molestation and atrocities were filed against him. He said that Pravin Ram and Rajubhai Karpada are currently in jail.
Italia also alleged that individuals involved in drug trafficking, liquor mafias, education scams, healthcare scams, substandard medicines, and major frauds are moving freely. He said that earlier, Pravin Ram was unable to attend his son’s first birthday as he was in custody at the time. He described the situation as deeply painful and unfortunate, noting that Pravin Ram is now spending his own birthday in jail. He also mentioned that farmer leader Raju Karpada is currently incarcerated and that permission to meet him was also denied.
Italia alleged that while “goons, bootleggers, and BJP-backed hooligans” are able to act freely, he was not allowed to meet Pravin Ram in jail. He claimed that Gujarat is witnessing extreme levels of dictatorship and lawlessness. Referring to the denial of the meeting, he said it was done on the basis of “orders from above” and questioned the authority issuing such instructions.
On the occasion of Pravin Ram’s birthday, Italia said he extended birthday wishes to him and prayed for strength for Pravin Ram, Raju Karpada, Amit Mer, and other farmer leaders who are currently imprisoned. He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party stands with them.