Ahmedabad : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is cranking up the heat in Gujarat with a two-day visit by its top guns, Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. The itinerary includes a public meeting in Bharuch district to back jailed MLA Chaitar Vasava and a closed-door strategy session with state leaders for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Vasava, a popular tribal leader from Narmada and Bharuch, is facing charges of threatening a forest department official and is currently lodged in jail. His case has become a rallying point for AAP, stoking speculation that he might be fielded from the Chhota Udepur seat in the national polls.
“Kejriwal and Mann are expected to meet Vasava in jail, a move that could further energize the tribal community,” said a source within AAP Gujarat.
The duo’s visit comes on the heels of the Gujarat High Court rejecting Vasava’s anticipatory bail plea last month. However, AAP has stood firmly behind him, highlighting his popularity and raising questions about the charges. This unwavering support has fueled the buzz around his potential candidature, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming elections.
Beyond the Vasava saga, Kejriwal and Mann’s visit marks a significant escalation in AAP’s Gujarat ambitions. The party, which made a strong debut in the state’s local polls last year, is now eyeing a national foothold. The meetings with state leaders will likely focus on strategizing for the Lok Sabha elections, with a particular emphasis on tapping into the tribal vote bank that Vasava represents.
