AAP launches ‘Parivartan Lao, Khedut Bachao Yatra’ from Somnath to highlight farmers’ issues

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched its “Parivartan Lao, Khedut Bachao Yatra” from Somnath, stating that the initiative is aimed at highlighting issues faced by farmers across Gujarat.

Before commencing the Yatra, Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi, Frontal Organisation State President Praveen Ram, State Organisation General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, along with party leaders and workers, offered prayers at the Somnath Mahadev temple and sought blessings.

The Yatra was then formally flagged off by Isudan Gadhvi. It is being conducted under the leadership of Isudan Gadhvi, Praveen Ram and Manoj Sorathiya.

A large number of farmers, party workers and local leaders were present at the launch. Several farmers expressed support for the initiative and stated their intention to join the movement.

Allegations on Farmers’ Concerns

Addressing the media, State President Isudan Gadhvi alleged that farmers in Gujarat are facing serious challenges. He claimed that 54 lakh farmer families are affected and are not receiving fair prices for their crops.

He also alleged inadequate electricity supply, installation of electricity poles in standing crops causing inconvenience, insufficient availability of fertilisers and seeds, and lack of benefits under crop insurance schemes.

Gadhvi stated that the party has consistently raised these concerns. Referring to AAP farmer leader Praveen Ram, he said Ram had spent 108 days in jail while advocating for farmers’ rights, but that the core issues remain unresolved. He said the Yatra was launched to amplify the voices of farmers across the state.

According to party leaders, the Yatra will pass through various assembly constituencies in Gujarat under the leadership of Praveen Ram and Manoj Sorathiya. A Farmers’ Maha Sammelan is scheduled to be organised on March 8 at the conclusion of the Yatra, which is expected to be attended by AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The party also stated that after completing this Yatra, it will begin another farmers’ outreach programme from other regions of Gujarat after offering prayers at additional religious places. During the journey, party leaders will visit villages to directly understand farmers’ grievances.

Statements from Party Leaders

Speaking to the media, AAP farmer leader and Frontal Organisation State President Praveen Ram said that just as Lord Chandra is believed to have performed penance at Somnath to be freed from a curse, they too were beginning a form of penance after seeking blessings at the temple to address farmers’ hardships in Gujarat.

Ram said he was prepared to make sacrifices for farmers and described returning to interact with farmers after 108 days of imprisonment as a moment of satisfaction and renewed determination. Senior leaders including Isudan Gadhvi and Manoj Sorathiya were present at the launch.

He added that the party would travel village to village, listen to farmers’ concerns and raise the issues at every level.