Farmers from 22 villages issue stern threat of ‘no water, no vote’ in Gujarat’s Vav

The political tensions have escalated in Vav and Tharad of the Banaskantha district in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming local body elections. 

While the farmers of the region are agitated over the lack of irrigation water, the social organisations have taken a stern stance against the corruption in the election.

Farmers from 22 villages near Vasarda in Vav taluka reportedly  launched a strong protest against the government over delays in the Devpura-Suigam canal project. According to them, the canal work, which was approved in 2022, remains incomplete even in 2026.

As a result, thousands of acres of farmland are suffering due to a severe lack of irrigation water, leading to crop failures and mounting financial distress. Despite multiple appeals to the authorities, farmers claim their concerns have been repeatedly ignored.

On the eve of the local body elections, the agitation has intensified. Thousands of farmers gathered in Vasarda and issued a stern warning, “if the canal work is not completed and water is not supplied before the elections, voters across all 22 villages will boycott the polls.” Their firm stance has added tension to the political atmosphere in the region.

Amid this, a video of a young leader from the Thakor community has gone viral on social media. In the video, he reportedly warns that any attempt by political parties to influence voters through money, alcohol, or other inducements will be strongly opposed. In the video, he asserts that the community is prepared to take a stand against exploitation.

The community reportedly has also declared that it will remain alert throughout the election period.