Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Hemant Khava, staged a unique protest at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly against the alleged discrimination in the state’s Budget for 2026–27. Khava, representing Jamjodhpur, drove a tractor to the Assembly premises but was prevented from entering with the vehicle. He then proceeded on foot to attend the session.
Khava criticized the Budget, claiming a significant bias in allocations favoring urban areas over rural regions. He highlighted the stark contrast of Rs 33,000 crore for cities compared to only Rs 14,000 crore for villages.
Addressing reporters, Khava expressed concerns over the lack of substantial provisions for farmers in the Rs 4 lakh crore Budget. He emphasized the meager allocation of Rs 16 crore for agro-processing units, contrasting it with the substantial Rs 2,755 crore earmarked for the textile industry.
Khava also pointed out disparities in regional allocations, citing the significantly lower funds of 473 crore for 11 Saurashtra districts compared to the allocation of Rs 600 crore solely for irrigation in Ahmedabad district. He vowed to raise these issues in the Assembly to advocate for fair treatment of villages and farmers.
