Dediapada, Gujarat,In a dramatic turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and tribal leader Chaitar Vasava surrendered to the police in Dediapada town after evading authorities for over a month. Vasava faces charges of threatening forest department personnel and firing a round in the air, with the incident occurring on October 30, leading to a case being registered on November 2.
Upon surrender, Vasava, along with three other accused individuals, was formally arrested, as confirmed by Ghanshyam Sarvaiya, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Narmada.
The AAP alleges political motives behind Vasava’s arrest, asserting that the BJP government seeks to coerce him into joining their ranks. Despite challenges, Vasava remains resolute and plans to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Bharuch constituency, a stance strongly supported by the AAP.
This development follows the resignation of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who cited a “lack of the right platform” as the reason for leaving the party. Bhayani expressed his intention to join the BJP, dealing a blow to AAP’s presence in Gujarat.
In recent months, AAP has faced a series of setbacks with tribal leaders defecting to other parties. Arjun Rathva joined the Congress, and Vashram Sagathiya switched to the Congress after being expelled as AAP vice-president. The party has also witnessed the departure of councillors to the BJP.
The diminishing strength of AAP in Gujarat, once a significant opposition force, raises concerns ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May 2024. With leaders jumping ship and internal challenges, the party is grappling to maintain its standing in the political landscape.
