Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava raises concern over being overlooked at Sagbara school inauguration

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava attended the inauguration of the Eklavya Model Residential School at Sagbara in Narmada district, highlighting the completion of a fully equipped campus for 240 students, with 16 classrooms, laboratories, a library, and other essential facilities.

Speaking at the event, Vasava appreciated the initiative of the Gujarat government and said the school would help students advance in their academic and professional careers.

However, Vasava expressed concerns over not being formally invited to the event. He noted that government ministers and Members of Parliament were present, yet neither the Collector nor the Sub-Divisional Officer had informed him by phone or invitation card. “This is not an insult to me personally but to the people I represent,” he said.

Vasava emphasized that he does not attend programmes only if his name is on an invitation card, and he only learned about the event through a sarpanch, prompting his presence.

Questioning the district administration, Vasava asked why elected representatives were being overlooked and asserted that public officials and elected representatives alike are accountable to the people.

“Salaries paid from public tax money go to both elected representatives and officials alike, from the Collector down to the talati. All officials are servants of the people, and elected representatives are their voice. Why was a public representative not invited to such a programme?” he asked.

In a video statement to the media, Vasava noted that the Eklavya Model Residential School has been operating in Sagbara since 2013, but the new campus and building had remained incomplete until now. He welcomed the completion of the project, crediting the cooperation of the Tribal Development Department, the Government of India, and the Government of Gujarat. He extended his best wishes to students, praising their performances during the inauguration and the overall environment of the campus.

Vasava reiterated that while he appreciates the programme, the failure of the district administration to inform him represents a lapse in protocol. “Constitutional rights and protocol must be followed, and I have raised this issue accordingly. The government minister has also drawn officials’ attention to this matter. The mistake lies with the Collector and the organisers, and clarification will be sought in the coming days. Any attack on our self-respect will not be tolerated,” he said.

The MLA highlighted that acts of neglect by the administration can be perceived as attempts to undermine elected representatives, adding that his priority remains the welfare of his constituents rather than ceremonial formalities.