AAP holds Parivartan Sabha in Surat, highlights civic issues and governance

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised a “Parivartan Sabha” in Surat, with senior party leaders addressing a public gathering and raising issues related to civic infrastructure, governance and public welfare. The event witnessed a large turnout of party workers and residents.

Those present included AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi, Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava, State Organisation General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, State Organisation Secretary Ram Dhaduk, Surat City Opposition Leader Payal Sakariya, Navsari Lok Sabha in-charge Pankaj Tayde, Surat Lok Sabha in-charge Rajnikant Vaghani and Surat City President Dharmesh Bhanderi.

Addressing the gathering at Godadara, Isudan Gadhvi referred to civic issues in Surat, alleging that even well-developed residential areas had experienced waterlogging during his earlier visit to the city. He questioned the utilisation of Surat Municipal Corporation’s reported ₹10,000 crore budget and raised concerns about employment conditions for farmers and industrial workers. Gadhvi also spoke about economic challenges faced by diamond artisans and migrant workers in the city, and said the party was raising issues related to farmers, the poor, the middle class and marginalised communities. He expressed confidence that voters in Surat would seek political change in the 2027 elections.

Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, in his address, spoke about what he described as contrasting political ideologies, linking governance to the future prospects of children. He raised concerns about substance abuse and law enforcement priorities, and argued that a strong opposition was necessary in a democracy. Italia said the large public turnout at the meeting indicated growing public engagement with political issues, and urged people to consider governance and education while making electoral choices.

Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava criticised the functioning of the state government, alleging that dissent was being suppressed and that legal action was taken against those who raised public issues. Referring to cases involving AAP leaders, he said the party would continue to oppose what he described as misuse of authority. Vasava also said the presence of a large number of people at the meeting reflected public willingness to participate in political discourse.

State General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, while addressing the gathering, said that public dissatisfaction with governance had increased over time. He alleged that corruption and criminal activity had affected public life and claimed that AAP leaders and workers faced pressure for their political activities. Sorathiya said the party was not deterred by legal or administrative action and expressed confidence about AAP’s prospects in the upcoming Surat Municipal Corporation elections.

The Parivartan Sabha concluded with party leaders appealing to residents to participate actively in civic and electoral processes and to raise issues related to governance and public services.