Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat leadership, including State President Isudan Gadhvi and Organization Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, held a press conference to express their concerns over the recently presented Gujarat state budget.
Addressing the media, Isudan Gadhvi said that the budget fails to address the real needs of farmers, youth, women, and the economically weaker sections. He highlighted that farmers require adequate irrigation, fair MSP, daytime free or subsidized electricity, and relief from private seed and fertilizer companies—basic necessities that the current budget does not sufficiently address. Under the Sujalam Sufalam scheme, farmers receive only ₹1,540, which Gadhvi described as inadequate.
He also raised concerns about the ration system, noting that over one lakh citizens depend on government rations. While states like Punjab and Delhi provide home delivery of ration, Gujarat lacks such facilities.
આપ ગુજરાત પ્રદેશ પ્રમુખ @isudan_gadhvi ની ઉપસ્થિતિમાં પ્રદેશ સંગઠન મહામંત્રી @manoj_sorathiya એ આગામી ચૂંટણીલક્ષી મહત્વપૂર્ણ જાહેરાત. pic.twitter.com/wd9n48R8me
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) February 18, 2026
Regarding youth employment, Gadhvi pointed out that approximately 50 lakh youth are unemployed in the state. He criticized the lack of a transparent recruitment calendar, widespread outsourcing of government jobs, and limited examinations for a small number of positions, which he said leads to widespread disappointment and frustration among young people.
Gujarat Lags Behind Other States in Women’s Welfare, Says Isudan Gadhvi
On women’s welfare, Gadhvi compared Gujarat unfavorably to other states, saying that BJP governments in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh provide direct financial assistance to women. In Gujarat, despite their loyalty to the party, women have received no such benefits. He highlighted the lack of affordable gas cylinders, inadequate pay and facilities for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and the absence of new initiatives for free healthcare, education, and other welfare services.
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Gadhvi further criticized the budget’s provisions for MSMEs, noting that although ₹1,700 crore was allocated, Gujarat has over 30 lakh MSMEs, many of which face bureaucratic hurdles and closures. He also questioned measures for the middle class, Gujarat BJP’s largest voter base, stating that unlike Punjab, no initiatives such as free electricity were introduced to ease the burden of rising costs.
Gadhvi Criticizes Gujarat Budget, Points to Farmer Suicides and Lack of MSP Guarantee
Highlighting the plight of farmers, Gadhvi said that many farmers in Gujarat have committed suicide and there is no provision for full MSP procurement, unlike in Punjab, where MSP is guaranteed and private buyers cannot purchase below it. He described the budget as a “copy-paste” document, merely updating some figures without providing a new vision or direction.
Concluding his remarks, Isudan Gadhvi asserted that the budget fails to inspire hope among farmers, youth, women, workers, and the poor. He warned that the people of Gujarat are now aware, and if their needs are not addressed, the government will face accountability in the upcoming elections.