The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) conducted solidarity marches in Gujarat backing MLA Chaitar Vasava, who recently received a seven-year prison term for a 2023 case involving alleged assault of forest officials. These marches were part of a statewide initiative announced by AAP on June 24. Gujarat’s AAP unit head, Gopal Rai, mentioned plans for foot marches in all districts on June 26 and subsequent rallies in all Assembly constituencies on June 28 as part of a three-phase protest.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal supported Vasava, claiming the charges were fabricated and politically driven. AAP asserted that Vasava, known for advocating tribal rights, was imprisoned as part of a conspiracy. Demonstrations were held in various parts of the state, with leaders like MLA Gopal Italia and others leading the marches in different cities.
In response to the court’s ruling, Vasava expressed intentions to challenge the conviction in the Gujarat High Court. The verdict has raised concerns about his legislative membership, with Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi stating that Vasava’s membership could be impacted by the sentence under the Representation of the People Act, pending any higher court decisions.
