AAP MLA Chatar Vasava meets tribal communities in Narmada; urges unity to protect land rights amid solar projects, development, and forced evictions in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad , Gujarat: AAP MLA Chatar Vasava met with farmers and residents affected by development projects in Olgam, Sagbara Taluka, Narmada district, expressing solidarity with those impacted by large-scale initiatives such as the 1,500 MW solar project near Ukai Dam.

Addressing the community, Vasava highlighted that 18 people had been jailed after filing complaints against the solar project, accusing authorities of using FIRs to suppress opposition. He emphasized the need for tribal unity to protect forests, land, and constitutional rights amid upcoming projects including the Statue of Unity corridor, high-speed corridors, housing societies, and wildlife sanctuaries.

“We must stand together and fight whenever necessary, whether the issues concern residents of Ukai or Kevadia. As tribals, we will be present wherever land rights are threatened,” Vasava stated. He assured the community that his team is fully supporting them and promised to mobilize tribal voices during the Gujarat Assembly budget session in Gandhinagar to seek justice.

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Vasava further stressed that this fight is not limited to Surat and Tapi but spans the entire state of Gujarat. Reflecting on past campaigns, he cited the post-matric scholarship issue, where thousands of students’ collective action compelled the government to announce funding. He urged the tribal community to unite under one banner and present their demands collectively in Gandhinagar.

He also drew attention to ongoing struggles of tribal communities across India—in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam—over land, forest, and water rights. Citing specific incidents, Vasava condemned forced evictions, FIRs, and police violence in areas such as Bedapani and Padlia, claiming authorities acted under industrial and political pressure to displace tribals.

“Who gave the forest department such powers? It’s the industrialist leaders who influence officials to vacate tribal lands,” Vasava remarked. He reiterated AAP’s commitment to standing with tribals and protecting their rights.