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Key Points

Over 500 AAP leaders, including key office-bearers, joined Congress in Gujarat, calling it a move to counter BJP's divisive tactics. Congress leaders slammed the ruling party for rising unemployment and economic disparity. The defectors accused AAP of indirectly aiding BJP by splitting anti-BJP votes. The event highlighted Congress's strategy to consolidate opposition forces ahead of elections.

Key Points: 500 AAP Leaders Join Congress in Gujarat Citing BJP Vote-Split Tactics

  • AAP leaders defect citing BJP's indirect benefit from vote splits
  • Congress accuses BJP of worsening inequality and unemployment
  • Gujarat Congress welcomes 500 AAP members in major rally
  • Defectors vow to challenge BJP's "dictatorial rule" at grassroots
2 min read

Congress gains strength in Gujarat as AAP leaders switch sides

Gujarat Congress gains momentum as AAP leaders defect, accusing BJP of divisive politics and economic failures.

"To save democracy and protect the Constitution, everyone must unite against the BJP’s divisive agenda – Amit Chavda"

Ahmedabad, Aug 17

Around 500 leaders and workers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formally joined the Congress party at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday.

The induction ceremony was attended by AICC general secretary and Gujarat in-charge Mukul Wasnik, Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Dr. Tushar Chaudhary, along with several senior state leaders.

Among those who switched sides were Suryasinh Dabhi, state secretary of AAP; Omprakash Tiwari, Ahmedabad city president and state joint secretary; Kantiji Thakor, former Kalol assembly candidate; Rambhai Yadav, state joint secretary; Rajeshbhai Bhatt, district secretary of Gandhinagar; Narendrasinh Dabhi, district secretary; Natvarsinh Dabhi, ward president; Pravinbhai Sasla, Ahmedabad city secretary; and Ashokbhai Yadav, legal chairman of AAP in Ahmedabad city.

Welcoming the new entrants, Mukul Wasnik said the Congress ideology believes in taking everyone along, unlike the BJP’s “divisive politics". He accused the ruling party of worsening economic inequality, unemployment, and inflation, while “making the poor poorer and the rich richer".

Amit Chavda asserted that people across Gujarat are disillusioned with the BJP’s anti-people policies, rising costs in education and healthcare, and lack of employment opportunities.

“To save democracy and protect the Constitution, everyone must unite against the BJP’s divisive agenda,” he said. Dr. Tushar Chaudhary added that Congress stands for democracy, not autocracy.

Criticising the BJP over rising prices, joblessness, and frequent infrastructure collapses, he remarked that “bridges may fall, but BJP offices never seem to.” He compared the induction of new leaders to “sugar blending into milk, adding strength and sweetness” to the party.

Several prominent AAP leaders, including state secretaries and city office-bearers, declared that they quit the party after realising it only functioned to “split votes against Congress and indirectly benefit the BJP".

They pledged to carry the Congress ideology to the grassroots and challenge what they called the BJP’s “dictatorial rule".

The event was also attended by senior Congress leaders including AICC secretary Anand Chaudhary, Ahmedabad city Congress president Sonalben Patel, former city president Himmatsinh Patel, and media coordinator Hemang Raval.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a Gujarati, I'm tired of BJP's empty promises. But Congress needs to show concrete plans for employment and development, not just political drama. Mere switching parties won't solve our problems!
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Aman W
Typical political opportunism! These leaders change parties like clothes. First they praised Kejriwal, now Congress. Public ko chutiya bana rahe hain sab 😡
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Shreya B
Good move! AAP was never serious about Gujarat politics. At least Congress has proper grassroots network. But they must focus on youth issues - jobs, education fees, and startup support.
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Varun X
BJP should take this as warning signal. People are frustrated with price rise and unemployment. But Congress needs better leadership than these old faces to capitalize on anti-incumbency.
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Nisha Z
As an Ahmedabad resident, I've seen AAP workers disappear after elections. Hope Congress makes them actually work for people, not just change flags for personal benefits 🙏

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