Ahmedabad, Gujarat — The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat has shed light on the circumstances behind Raju Karpara ’s resignation from the party, with MLA Gopal Italia explaining that external pressures and ongoing legal cases forced Karpara to take the step. Italia expressed deep regret over Karpara’s departure but stressed that his words at a recent press conference seemed scripted and lacked the conviction he previously displayed while working with AAP.
Italia recalled Raju Karpara passionate speeches, both on stage and in party meetings, describing his voice as commanding and his commitment to people unwavering. “When Raju was with AAP, his words carried weight. they seemed to follow a script, lacking the strength and sincerity we knew,” Italia said.
AAP Alleges BJP Pressured Raju Karpara Over Legal Cases
The MLA clarified that Raju Karpara faced three legal cases, two under Section 307 (attempt to murder) and one under Section 326 (grievous injury), all declared in his 2022 election affidavit. While Karpara had already served a five-year sentence in the 326 case, the final hearings for the two 307 cases were scheduled on February 12 at Surendranagar Sessions Court. Italia claimed that BJP exerted pressure on Raju Karpara to publicly accuse AAP at a press conference, or else face possible consequences in court. “Out of ten jailed leaders, only Karpara faced such extraordinary treatment, released late at night while others were freed normally,” Italia added.
આમ આદમી પાર્ટી એક રાજકીય પાર્ટી છે અને રાજકીય પાર્ટી પર આરોપ થયા રહેવાના પરંતુ રાજુભાઇએ ખેડૂતોનો નિસાસો લેવાનું જે કામ કર્યું છે તે જરાય યોગ્ય નથી..
રાજુ ભાઈએ કહ્યું કે આમ આદમી પાર્ટી કાયદાકીય રીતે મદદ નથી કરી, આ બાબતે ધારાસભ્ય @Gopal_Italia એ વિગતવાર .જણાવ્યું pic.twitter.com/n6eWwtRtjR
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) February 12, 2026
Italia also defended AAP’s extensive legal support for Karpara, highlighting teams of lawyers from the High Court and Supreme Court, including senior counsel, and local advocates, noting that the party had spared no effort or expense in backing him. “We organized eight major gatherings, rallies, and meetings in support of Raju Karpara across Gujarat, spending crores to back the movement,” he said.
Also read : AAP Gujarat Defends Raju Karpara, Criticizes BJP Over Political Pressure
The MLA accused Raju Karpara of inadvertently weakening the farmer movement by bowing to pressure, calling it a betrayal of public trust. He urged that any settlements include the release of cases against innocent farmers linked to the movement. Italia emphasized that AAP continues to stand for justice, truth, and the rights of farmers, and that political pressure would not deter the party’s ongoing struggle.