AAP’s farmer leader Raju Karpada resigns, sparks speculation over next move

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat has suffered a setback with the resignation of senior farmer leader Raju Karpada, a prominent face from Mooli taluka in Surendranagar district. Karpada, who rose to prominence during farmers’ agitations in the Haddad–Haddar region, announced his decision through a social media post, triggering speculation in political circles about whether he may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Resignation announced via social media

In his post, Karpada said he was stepping down from all party posts and reflected on his time with AAP.

“Jai Kisan Saathi… Friends, today I resign from all posts of the Aam Aadmi Party. My decision may come as a shock to many. I gave special priority and time, along with my family, to strengthen the party, but destiny had written my support only till this point. If I have hurt anyone’s feelings knowingly or unknowingly, I sincerely apologize. I express heartfelt gratitude to the national and state leadership of Aam Aadmi Party, as well as to all my colleagues and farmer friends, for their love and support,” he wrote.

Karpada had been serving as president of AAP’s Kisan Cell in Gujarat and was considered one of the party’s key farmer leaders in the state.

Background of the Haddad agitation

The political developments around Karpada are closely linked to a farmers’ agitation that took place in October 2025. On October 12, a farmers’ maha panchayat was held in Haddad village of Botad district. Police later claimed that the gathering had been organised without official permission.

According to the police, when officers reached the site to disperse the crowd, tensions escalated and some members of the agitating group allegedly resorted to stone pelting at police vehicles. Tear gas shells were fired to bring the situation under control.

A complaint was subsequently registered against 85 individuals in connection with the clash between farmers and the police.

Arrests and fast-unto-death protest

On October 16, 2025, Raju Karpada and another AAP leader, Praveen Ram, were arrested while preparing to begin a fast-unto-death protest at the party’s Ahmedabad office. The proposed protest was aimed at demanding justice for farmers and protesting what AAP leaders described as atrocities against them.

At the time, Praveen Ram was serving as president of the party’s Pradesh Frontal Organisation.

Bail granted after four months

Nearly four months after their arrest, the Bhavnagar District and Sessions Court granted bail to Karpada and Praveen Ram on January 29, 2026. The case remained linked to the events surrounding the Haddad agitation and the subsequent police action.

Allegations over practices at Botad APMC

The broader agitation was centred on allegations against the Botad Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). Farmers accused cotton traders of following the so-called ‘Kadda’ practice, alleging unfair weighing methods that resulted in losses to cultivators.

As part of the protest, farmers had gathered inside the market yard on the night of October 10, singing bhajans and kirtans as a form of peaceful demonstration before the situation escalated in the following days.

Political uncertainty ahead

With Karpada’s resignation now official, focus has shifted to his next political move. While there is speculation about a possible switch to another party, including the BJP, no formal announcement has been made so far.