The national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal, has accused the BJP government in Gujarat of initiating a political crackdown. Kejriwal alleged that numerous party workers were facing mass arrests and multiple FIRs, characterizing the situation as authoritarian.
According to Kejriwal’s social media post, 145 FIRs have been lodged against AAP members in the last three months, leading to the arrest of over 160 party workers. The party claimed that during a protest against the “illegal arrest” of a colleague, Gujarat unit chief Isudan Gadhvi was detained by what they referred to as the “BJP’s police.” AAP asserted that the BJP was apprehensive about the increasing popularity of AAP in Gujarat.
Kejriwal reiterated the party’s stance by stating that Gadhvi’s arrest was part of a broader campaign targeting AAP leaders and activists in the state. He expressed that the BJP was perturbed by the potential defeat by AAP in Gujarat and had resorted to dictatorial tactics.
The AAP leader warned of a potential backlash, declaring that the people of Gujarat would seek retribution, challenging the BJP’s perceived arrogance and oppression. This situation has heightened the political tensions between AAP and the BJP in Gujarat, as AAP endeavors to strengthen its presence in the region. There has been no immediate response from the BJP or Gujarat Police regarding the accusations made by AAP leaders.
These events coincide with increased political activities by AAP across various states as the party aims to position itself as a significant contender against the BJP beyond its traditional strongholds.