Supporters of Gujarat BJP leader join AAP, spark political buzz

In Manavadar, some of the close supporters of BJP leader and former minister Jawahar Chavda joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a public meeting in the presence of AAP MLA Gopal Italia and Hemant Khava, fueling speculation that Chavda himself may soon join the party.

Chavda had also tried his luck in the Visavadar by-election. Recently, he has become active on the issue of unemployment, openly opposing the ruling government. There were already talks that Chavda played an important role in AAP’s candidate’s victory in the Visavadar bypoll.

The Aam Aadmi Party organised a ‘Join Gujarat’ public rally in Manavadar on Friday, which was attended by Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, Jamjodhpur MLA Hemant Khava, and other leaders. 

At this rally, several local leaders considered close to Chavda, including BJP district panchayat member Rinaben Mardia’s father-in-law Jivabhai Mardia, former taluka panchayat officials, and village sarpanchs, resigned from the BJP and joined AAP. This has triggered fresh speculation and reshuffling in district politics.

With Chavda’s close supporters now in AAP, political observers believe there are stronger chances of Chavda himself formally joining AAP in the near future.

In the last assembly elections, after his defeat, Chavda had alleged that the district BJP president and other leaders were responsible, but no action was taken. Since then, he has remained consistently upset with the BJP and has avoided attending any of its meetings or programs.