The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that its workers and leaders are being systematically targeted in Gujarat through police cases, claiming misuse of law enforcement by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The allegations were made by AAP’s Gujarat state organisation general secretary, Manoj Sorathiya, during a press conference in Surat.
Sorathiya claimed that public dissatisfaction against the BJP— which has been in power in Gujarat for nearly 30 years— is growing, and that AAP is emerging as a political alternative.
Against this backdrop, he presented what he described as a list of around 45 FIRs registered in recent months against AAP workers and leaders, alleging that nearly 160 individuals have been affected.
According to him, FIRs are being filed against party workers for carrying out organisational work, raising public issues, or questioning the government.
He alleged that in several instances, AAP workers are detained at police stations overnight. Sorathiya also claimed that, on average, one FIR is being registered daily against party members.
He further alleged that in some cases, minor road incidents are deliberately escalated into disputes, followed by police complaints against AAP workers. He described a pattern in which individuals allegedly provoke altercations and then file FIRs, leading to arrests.
Sorathiya contrasted this with what he claimed was a lack of similar action against leaders from other parties, including the Congress, and alleged that complaints against some BJP leaders involved in criminal activities do not lead to action. He also claimed that filing complaints has become difficult for ordinary citizens.
Accusing the state government of misusing the police machinery, Sorathiya said law enforcement is being used to suppress dissent rather than maintain public safety. He alleged that crime control has been ineffective, raising concerns about drug-related cases and illegal liquor sales.
He claimed that while drugs are seized, explanations such as “rats consuming the drugs” are given, and alleged that narcotics continue to reach youth. He also alleged that liquor is being sold openly despite prohibition, with illegal outlets operating in several areas.
Detailing the distribution of FIRs, Sorathiya said cases have been registered across multiple districts, including Panchmahal and Dahod (three each), Godhra (three), Kutch (three), Banaskantha and Sabarkantha (four), and Valsad and Navsari (four), along with Ahmedabad, Surat, Jamnagar and other districts. He alleged that even AAP leaders who approach municipal bodies to raise questions face complaints and arrests.
Citing specific instances, Sorathiya referred to a case in Kutch where a woman doctor, identified as Kainat Ansari, allegedly conducted a public “raid” on an illegal liquor outlet and presented video evidence. He claimed that no action was taken against those running the outlet, but the doctor was jailed for 15 days. He also alleged that farmers raising agricultural issues have faced FIRs and prolonged detention.
Sorathiya further claimed that similar FIR patterns are repeated in multiple cases, involving allegations such as minor vehicle collisions followed by serious charges like rash driving or attempt to harm. He cited an example from Navsari, where he alleged that a routine incident was escalated into serious criminal charges to detain party workers and create a climate of fear.
He also alleged that police visit the homes of AAP workers, detain them, and claim recovery of small quantities of liquor to justify cases. Additionally, he claimed that party workers are pressured to leave AAP, and that in districts like Amreli, individuals are allegedly asked to provide lists of candidates for local body elections under threat of FIRs.
Questioning the intent behind such actions, Sorathiya asked whether police powers were being used to influence elections. He said political competition should be confined to the electoral arena and not involve law enforcement.
He also called on members within the BJP to reflect on these developments, warning that such practices could affect a wider section of society in the future. Sorathiya stated that raising questions and holding those in power accountable is a democratic right, and alleged that attempts are being made to curb this right in Gujarat.
Referring to past movements involving communities such as Patidars, Dalits, and Thakors, he claimed that similar methods of filing cases have previously been used to suppress dissent.
Concluding his remarks, Sorathiya appealed to the public to remain vigilant and oppose what he termed “FIR-based politics.” He said AAP workers would continue their activities despite legal action and would not be deterred by arrests or pressure.
There was no immediate response from the BJP or the Gujarat government regarding these allegations.
