The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a press conference on Monday with Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, State Chief Spokesperson Dr. Karan Barot, and Working Central Zone President Dr. Jwel Vasara to address key state issues and launch a new statewide awareness campaign.
During the press conference, the party introduced a new slogan: “Na betanu, na bapnu… Gujarat have AAP nu.” MLA Gopal Italia explained that the slogan reflects the party’s message that Gujarat belongs to the common people rather than political heirs.
Speaking on the campaign, Italia said, “For a long time, the people of Gujarat have been voting for BJP out of compulsion. Due to remaining in power for years, BJP has developed such arrogance and ego as if Gujarat is their father’s property. Whereas in a democratic system, the ultimate authority always lies with the people as per the Constitution. No ruler, no government, and no party is greater than the people.”
He alleged that under BJP rule, dominance and exploitation by father-son duos prevail in the state. “Wherever BJP leaders require land, bulldozers are deployed overnight, and the livelihoods of poor people are destroyed. In many places, cases have emerged where sons of BJP leaders have been involved in criminal activities such as MNREGA scams, drugs, liquor, cuts in government contracts, extortion, and violence,” Italia said.
He added, “Sons of BJP leaders think, ‘My father is in BJP, nothing will happen to me,’ and this mindset has caused great damage to Gujarat. From villages to the state government, people are troubled by BJP’s father-son politics. Against this situation, the Aam Aadmi Party has decided to move forward with a clear message.”
Italia further explained the meaning of the new slogan, stating, “Gujarat being ‘aapnu’ means Gujarat belongs to the common people. Through this slogan, the party will remind the people of Gujarat that Gujarat does not belong to political heirs, but to crores of hardworking people—farmers, workers, youth, women, and marginalized sections. With this slogan, the Aam Aadmi Party is launching a massive public outreach campaign to reach every home, every lane, and every individual across the state. The party expressed confidence that the people of Gujarat will bless AAP workers coming from ordinary families and support them in ending father-son politics and establishing true self-rule.”
On the issue of recent demolitions in Rajkot and other parts of the state, Italia said, “Whenever BJP leaders like a piece of land, bulldozers arrive overnight. That is why AAP repeatedly says that Gujarat does not belong to BJP’s fathers or BJP leaders’ fathers. When BJP leaders liked land in Vatva and Ranip of Ahmedabad, bulldozers arrived there. BJP leaders, collectors, and police come together to vacate land—this will no longer be tolerated. Homes of people living near Motera for 50 years were demolished. Similarly, bulldozers are being used in the name of dream projects in Sanand and along the SG Highway, in Jangleshwar of Rajkot, around Somnath Temple, and likewise in Surat.”
He added, “When common people go to court, cases drag on for years. In my view, justice delivered in the people’s court is faster than in government courts. In the people’s court, justice is delivered in favor of the victims. When people’s conscience awakens and justice is served, BJP will not be able to show its face. We stand with all these victims—whether it is a legal battle or a street protest—we stand with the victims everywhere.”
The AAP indicated that this campaign will focus on reaching citizens in every constituency and village across Gujarat, aiming to raise awareness about governance issues and advocate for greater public participation ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections.