Isudan Gadhvi urges Gujarat’s tribal community to unite against the BJP as the Adivasi Nyay Yatra travels from Umargam to Ambaji in support of Chaitar Vasava.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched the ‘Adivasi Nyay Yatra’ in Gujarat to highlight tribal rights and express support for Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava. Led by Varshaben Vasava and Shakuntalaben Vasava, the MLA’s wives, the march is scheduled to travel from Umargam to Ambaji. Before the journey began, AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi appealed to members of the tribal community to unite and take a pledge not to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Adivasi Nyay Yatra is intended to bring attention to issues concerning tribal land, education, employment and community rights, while demanding justice for Chaitar Vasava. Several AAP leaders, party workers, office-bearers and local residents joined the campaign.
Those present included AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi, Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, State Organisation General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, vice presidents Rajubhai Valvai and Yuvrajsinh Jadeja, along with other party representatives and local leaders.
Isudan Gadhvi Accuses BJP of Ignoring Tribal Welfare
Addressing journalists before the march, Gadhvi alleged that Chaitar Vasava had been imprisoned through a politically motivated conspiracy because of his efforts to defend tribal rights. He praised Varshaben and Shakuntalaben for taking responsibility for mobilising tribal communities in the MLA’s absence.
Gadhvi also questioned the BJP government’s claims regarding expenditure under the Vanbandhu Scheme. He alleged that despite the claimed spending of ₹1 lakh crore over five years, tribal communities had not received the expected development benefits.
He further raised concerns about the leadership of Gujarat’s state-level Tribal Advisory Council. According to Gadhvi, the council should be headed by a member of the tribal community. He criticised Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel for holding the position and promised that an AAP government would appoint a tribal representative as its chairperson.
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Tribal Land Rights and MGNREGA Raised During the March
Gadhvi highlighted issues relating to water, forests and land, including land governed by Section 73-AA. He alleged that around 300 hectares of tribal land had been transferred to industrialists under the BJP government. He also accused the ruling party of favouring certain leaders while neglecting the concerns of tribal residents.
The AAP leader raised allegations of corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), claiming that ₹2,500 crore was involved. These statements were made as political allegations by AAP leaders.
Calling for greater unity, Gadhvi urged tribal youth, farmers and women to participate in the Adivasi Nyay Yatra. He appealed to them to take a pledge, symbolically holding water in their hands, not to vote for the BJP in future elections.
Gopal Italia Says Chaitar Vasava Has Been Targeted
AAP Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia also criticised the BJP government, alleging that Chaitar Vasava had been unfairly targeted for raising issues affecting tribal communities.
Italia said Vasava had consistently highlighted concerns involving the alleged loss of tribal land, scholarships, free-ship cards, exploitation linked to industrial projects and the misuse of government grants. He argued that these interventions had helped tribal residents raise their concerns before the authorities.
Italia alleged that false cases had been used to imprison Vasava. These claims reflect the AAP leaders’ position on the case and were not independently established in the statements provided.
He said the Adivasi Nyay Yatra was not limited to seeking support for one politician but was also intended to defend the dignity and rights of the wider tribal community. According to Italia, the march would travel through villages to inform residents about the issues raised by the party and encourage collective action.
He also praised Varshaben and Shakuntalaben for leading the campaign and said the AAP leadership, from Arvind Kejriwal to Isudan Gadhvi, stood behind Chaitar Vasava and the tribal community.
Varshaben Vasava Appeals for Public Support
Varshaben Vasava said the journey from Umargam was beginning at a difficult time for her family. She stated that Chaitar Vasava had consistently remained connected with the public and raised his voice on issues affecting tribal people.
She acknowledged the difficulties faced by the family following his imprisonment but said the support of local residents had strengthened their resolve. Varshaben appealed to people across Gujarat to join the march and stand with the tribal community.
She also maintained that Chaitar Vasava had supported tribal residents whenever they faced injustice and expressed hope that people would participate in large numbers.
Shakuntalaben Vasava Highlights Education and Employment Issues
Shakuntalaben Vasava described the campaign as a broader struggle for tribal rights and justice rather than a movement focused solely on Chaitar Vasava.
She said the MLA had raised several concerns in the Gujarat Assembly, including issues related to the Fifth Schedule, forest and land rights, education, alleged fake certificates and unemployment. She alleged that the BJP government had acted against Chaitar Vasava and members of his family because of his advocacy for the community.
Shakuntalaben appealed to tribal residents to join the march and help strengthen the demand for the protection of their rights.
Adivasi Nyay Yatra to Travel from Umargam to Ambaji
The Adivasi Nyay Yatra aims to connect tribal communities across Gujarat and bring issues of land ownership, education, employment and social justice into public discussion. AAP leaders plan to engage with residents in villages along the route and encourage people to raise concerns affecting their communities.
The campaign also carries a direct political message, with Isudan Gadhvi urging tribal voters to unite against the BJP at the ballot box. Through the march, the party is seeking to build support for Chaitar Vasava while highlighting what it describes as persistent challenges facing Gujarat’s tribal population.
The journey is being led by Varshaben Vasava and Shakuntalaben Vasava, with participation from AAP leaders, party workers and local residents. Its stated focus is on tribal rights, community solidarity and the demand for justice for Chaitar Vasava.