National News: The political temperature in Gujarat has soared following the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Basava, just days after BJP suffered a shocking defeat in the Visavadar Assembly by-election. AAP has termed the arrest as an act of political vengeance and accused the BJP of suppressing voices that expose corruption.
AAP Alleges Targeted Action Against Whistleblower MLA
According to AAP, Chaitar Basava was assaulted by BJP-backed goons when he raised corruption issues in an official meeting. When he approached the police to file a complaint, a false FIR was allegedly filed against him instead, leading to his arrest. The party has vowed not to back down and has said its leaders and workers will continue to expose the BJP's corruption in Gujarat.
Arvind Kejriwal Slams BJP, Calls Arrest a Sign of Desperation
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal condemned the arrest, calling it a clear indication of BJP’s frustration after losing the Visavadar seat. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote,
"BJP has arrested AAP MLA Chaitar Basava in Gujarat after losing the Visavadar bypoll. This shows their desperation. If they think AAP will be scared by such arrests, they are making a huge mistake. The people of Gujarat are tired of BJP’s misrule, hooliganism, and dictatorship. Now the people will respond."
Gopal Rai: “Shameful Act by a Panicked BJP”
AAP’s Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai also slammed the BJP and called the arrest shameful. “BJP is rattled after its defeat. They believe that by arresting our MLA, they can intimidate us. But Gujarat’s people are watching, and they will give a befitting reply,” he said.
Durgesh Pathak: “When BJP Fears, It Hides Behind Police”
AAP co-in-charge Durgesh Pathak said the BJP uses the police as a shield when it feels threatened. “Chaitar Basava exposed massive corruption involving BJP leaders, and the government responded by unleashing police action. But AAP leaders are not afraid of your threats. If you misuse police to protect the corrupt, the people will come to the streets and expose your reality,” he warned.
Ishudan Gadhvi: “Targeting a Tribal Voice”
AAP Gujarat President Ishudan Gadhvi accused the BJP of targeting Basava because he has been raising the voice of the tribal community. “Basava exposed massive embezzlement in MNREGA funds meant for poor tribals and got BJP ministers’ sons sent to jail. This is why BJP is after him,” he said.
Gadhvi further stated that when Basava went to the police station to file an FIR, the police, acting under BJP’s influence, registered a case against him instead. “This is not just about one person. If an elected MLA is being silenced like this, imagine the plight of common people. Democracy in Gujarat is clearly under threat.”
