AAP alleges police harassment of workers ahead of Gujarat local elections

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged police harassment of its workers and leaders in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming local self-government elections, with MLA Chaitar Vasava claiming the action is being carried out under instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.

In a video statement, Vasava alleged that police officials, including those at the DG, IG and SP levels, were targeting AAP workers, leaders, and individuals filing nominations for the elections.

He claimed that party workers were being pressured through visits to their homes, stopped and detained on roads, and booked under what he described as “false FIRs”, leading to arrests.

Describing the situation as “emergency-like”, Vasava said the issue had been taken up by the party’s national leadership. He stated that AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal had written to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, raising concerns over the developments.

According to Vasava, the letter stated that in a democracy, workers of every political party have the constitutional right to engage with the public and contest elections.

He said the letter called for appropriate instructions to be issued to the police to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and that the Election Commission be informed in this regard.

Vasava further alleged that such developments were taking place amid fears of electoral defeat and claimed that attempts were being made to prevent AAP from functioning as an opposition voice. He also alleged that party workers and their family members were being subjected to pressure.

He termed the alleged actions as unfair practices that could impact democratic processes and appealed to the public to remain aware and ensure that elections are conducted transparently.

Vasava added that AAP would continue its political activities despite what he described as pressure, stating that the issue concerned the broader public in Gujarat.