The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said its Gujarat state president Isudan Gadhvi was arrested by police while he had gone to submit a representation regarding the detention of party workers.
Speaking to the media after his release, Gadhvi said that he and other party members had visited the police to raise concerns over the detention of an AAP worker. According to him, the police objected to the manner of the representation, including the recording of a video, and subsequently detained them.
Gadhvi alleged that the action reflected apprehension within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards AAP’s activities in the state. He further claimed that attempts were being made to intimidate party workers through arrests, adding that such measures would not be accepted by the public.
He stated that the detained worker had not committed any offence and alleged that a “false FIR” had been registered. Gadhvi also claimed that similar cases had been filed in multiple locations, suggesting a pattern of action against party members.
Referring to the police procedure, Gadhvi said that while law enforcement agencies act according to their protocols, citizens have a fundamental right to make representations. He added that AAP would continue to raise issues concerning the public and its workers in Gujarat.
The AAP leader also claimed that the party enjoys public support in the state and reiterated its commitment to continue its political activities despite what it described as pressure and intimidation.