The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat on Thursday defended former party leader Raju Karpara, acknowledging his five years of service with the party and attributing his departure to possible external pressures rather than any internal dissatisfaction. AAP Gujarat President Isudan Gadhvi emphasized that the party remains committed to fighting for farmers, the poor, and the marginalized, regardless of political challenges.
Speaking on the issue, Gadhvi said, “Raju Karpara worked with AAP for five years, and we are grateful for his contribution. AAP is a party that chooses the path of struggle. Most people who join us come from ordinary, poor, and middle-class backgrounds. We openly challenge the policies of the central and state governments, which makes working in AAP not easy.”
Gadhvi highlighted that party leaders often face intimidation, false cases, and imprisonment when raising public interest issues. He noted that similar pressures may have been applied to Raju Karpara and others, referencing past arrests of AAP leaders who opposed government actions.
📍જેતપુર
ભાદર નદીમાં કેમિકલના પ્રદૂષણ મામલે કડક કાર્યવાહી કરવાની માંગ સાથે ધરણા પર બેઠેલા સ્થાનિકોની AAP પ્રદેશ પ્રમુખ @isudan_gadhvi એ મુલાકાત લીધી અને તેમની માંગો સ્વીકારવામાં આવે તેની માંગ કરી. pic.twitter.com/JlS35Lmtwl
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) February 12, 2026
Raju Karpara Praised for Courage and Service Amid BJP Pressure
Commenting on the broader political context, he recalled the Haddad and Kadra incidents, which created significant public unrest in Gujarat, and said the BJP has historically tried to weaken movements by pressuring or co-opting leaders. He cited the example of Hardik Patel, who became a prominent figure during the Patidar reservation movement but allegedly saw his career curtailed after joining the BJP. “Raju Karpara is a good and courageous person, and he may have left due to unavoidable circumstances,” Gadhvi added.
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Addressing farmers directly, Gadhvi said the struggle will continue and that there is no need to be afraid. “The tiger is still alive. One leader leaving will not weaken the movement. We will bring new leaders forward, and the fight against the BJP will continue strongly,” he said.
Gadhvi also detailed AAP’s extensive support for farmers’ causes, including organizing large rallies and meetings across Gujarat, signature campaigns, and legal advocacy in the High Court and Supreme Court. He stressed that AAP’s politics is not for power but for the welfare of the people.
On trade issues, he criticized deals made by the government, promising that AAP will launch protests from the streets to the state assembly against perceived injustices.
AAP Gujarat reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the farmers’ and public movements, emphasizing that political pressure or co-optation will not weaken the party’s struggle.