Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Announces Bihar Poll Plans During AAP Membership Drive In Gujarat

After Delhi, Punjab and Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has set its eyes on the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. In a politically charged address at a massive membership drive event in Ahmedabad on Thursday, AAP  national coordinator Arvind Kejriwal declared that his party would contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar. Kejriwal, currently on a two-day visit to Gujarat, also launched a state-wide AAP membership campaign and reiterated that there is no alliance with the Congress party.

"This is a havan—sacrifice two years for change"

Kejriwal made a fervent appeal to the youth of Gujarat to join the movement for transformation. “Give me just two years, this is a havan and you must offer your sacrifices in it,” he said. The Delhi Chief Minister also announced a dedicated number—9512040404—for citizens to join AAP by giving a missed call.

“The victory in Visavadar is not a final battle. It’s a semi-final for 2027,” Kejriwal declared, referring to AAP’s recent bypoll win. “Gujarat has suffered under BJP’s 30-year misrule. Roads are crumbling, papers are leaking, and Surat city is drowning in corruption,” he added, taking direct aim at the BJP government.

'Congress teamed up with BJP to defeat us'

Dismissing any current alliance with the Congress, Kejriwal said, “We were only part of the INDIA alliance for the Lok Sabha elections. In Visavadar, Congress joined hands with BJP to try and defeat us. But the people chose truth and development.” His comments further cemented AAP’s stand as an independent political force in Gujarat.

Internal Turmoil: Missing MLAs and Suspensions

While Kejriwal's speech aimed to project unity and expansion, signs of internal friction within the Gujarat AAP unit were impossible to miss.

Gariyadhar MLA Sudhir Vaghani’s conspicuous absence from the event raised eyebrows. Not only was he missing from the program, but his photo was also absent from party banners and hoardings. This comes days after another MLA, Umesh Makwana, was suspended for five years from the party amid internal disagreements.

Attempting damage control, Gujarat State AAP President Isudan Gadhvi stated, “We received complaints against Makwana. Action was necessary. However, he met Arvind Kejriwal recently, and he remains with us.” The party, however, remained tight-lipped on Vaghani’s absence, sparking speculation that discontent is brewing beneath the surface.

One MLA suspended, another goes missing – cracks in AAP Gujarat?

Of the five MLAs AAP secured in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, only four remain. With Bhupat Bhayani’s resignation from Visavadar and Gopal Italia winning it back in the bypoll, AAP has tried to regain momentum. But internal unrest appears to be undermining its efforts.

Makwana’s earlier resignation from party posts but not as MLA created confusion and raised questions about leadership and loyalty. Meanwhile, Sudhir Vaghani, who defeated six-time BJP MLA Keshubhai Nakarani in 2022, has been silent—feeding into murmurs of dissatisfaction.

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