Isudan Gadhvi slams Gujarat’s BJP government over drought relief, demanding ₹50,000 per hectare in aid and a complete waiver of farmers’ loans.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat State President Isudan Gadhvi has criticised the BJP-led state government over its drought assistance announcement, alleging that the relief offered to farmers is insufficient to cover their agricultural expenses. Addressing a press conference on farmers’ issues, Gadhvi claimed that the government had announced assistance of ₹8,500 per hectare, subject to a two-hectare limit, in only four districts despite 108 talukas being identified as drought-affected. The controversy over Gujarat drought relief has intensified, with AAP demanding higher compensation and a complete waiver of farmers’ loans.
Isudan Gadhvi Questions the ₹17,000 Relief Limit
According to Gadhvi, eligible farmers could receive a maximum of ₹17,000 under the announced assistance scheme. He argued that the amount was inadequate considering the rising cost of cultivation and the financial difficulties faced by farmers in drought-hit areas.
The AAP leader claimed that farmers spend approximately ₹20,000 to ₹21,000 per bigha on seeds, fertilisers, tractor operations, weeding and electricity bills. He questioned how farmers could manage their agricultural and household expenses with the limited assistance announced by the state government.
Gadhvi alleged that the BJP government had failed to address farmers’ immediate needs through an adequate relief package. He said Gujarat drought relief should be calculated according to the losses suffered by farmers and the actual cost of cultivation.
AAP Compares Gujarat Assistance With Other States
During the press conference, Gadhvi compared Gujarat’s drought assistance with relief measures in other states. He claimed that the Punjab government had provided ₹50,000 per hectare to farmers in the previous year. He also referred to a ₹10,000-crore package announced in Gujarat following unseasonal rainfall, with assistance calculated at ₹22,000 per hectare.
Gadhvi further cited Maharashtra and Rajasthan as examples, claiming that farmers in those states had received loan waivers and direct financial assistance. He questioned why the Gujarat government had not announced a more comprehensive package for farmers facing drought conditions.
The AAP leader also raised questions about the funds associated with groundnut procurement at the minimum support price and the earlier unseasonal rainfall relief package. He argued that available resources should be used to provide immediate assistance to distressed farming families.
Farmers in Saurashtra and Kutch Facing Financial Difficulties
Gadhvi expressed concern about the situation in Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Kutch. He claimed that farmers in these regions were struggling to arrange cash for their daily needs and agricultural activities.
He also highlighted the need for irrigation water and fodder during the winter and summer seasons. According to him, cattle-rearers, agricultural labourers and Bhagiyas—sharecroppers or farm workers in the local agricultural context—should also receive adequate support during the drought.
Gadhvi alleged that industrial requirements were being prioritised over farmers’ water needs. He called on the government to ensure the availability of irrigation water and animal fodder alongside financial assistance.
AAP Demands ₹50,000 Per Hectare and Complete Loan Waiver
The Aam Aadmi Party has called for a complete waiver of farmers’ loans and an increase in drought assistance to ₹50,000 per hectare. Gadhvi maintained that the current announcement did not adequately address the financial burden faced by farming families.
He warned that if the government failed to meet these demands, AAP would implement a farmers’ loan waiver if it came to power in Gujarat in the 2027 Assembly elections. The party says a more comprehensive Gujarat drought relief package is necessary to protect farmers, cattle-rearers and agricultural workers from further financial distress.
The demands come amid a wider political debate over agricultural costs, water availability and the state government’s response to drought conditions.
Gadhvi Criticises BJP’s 26-Year Rule
The AAP leader also attacked the BJP over its long tenure in Gujarat, alleging that farmers’ concerns had not received sufficient attention over the past 26 years. He questioned the effectiveness of irrigation projects, including the Sauni Yojana, and called for stronger measures to ensure water availability in agricultural areas.
Gadhvi argued that farmers and rural workers should be judged on the basis of the support they receive during difficult times rather than political, caste or religious affiliations. He also criticised BJP legislators and ministers for supporting the government’s relief announcement, claiming that the assistance did not reflect the difficulties experienced by farmers.
His comments formed part of AAP’s broader criticism of the state government’s agricultural policies and drought response.
also read:- Gopal Italia Demands Drought Relief Across Saurashtra, Proposes Desilting Of Dams For Farmers
Bhadthar Election and Previous Relief Package
Gadhvi linked the government’s drought announcement to political developments, including the Bhadthar District Panchayat election. He claimed that AAP’s strong performance in the election had put pressure on the BJP government to declare drought-affected areas.
He also referred to a gathering in Sudamda and 11 Kisan Mahapanchayats, alleging that these events had contributed to the announcement of the earlier ₹10,000-crore relief package. Gadhvi argued that a larger package might have been announced if elections had taken place in more Assembly constituencies.
These statements reflect AAP’s political assessment of the government’s decisions and were not independently established during the press conference.
Isudan Gadhvi Raises Questions Over Democracy and Elections
Beyond farmers’ issues, Gadhvi levelled allegations against the BJP concerning the Election Commission, electoral processes, EVMs and voter-list deletions. He also criticised the appointment process for Election Commissioners, alleging that the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection process had weakened democratic safeguards.
He accused the BJP of using political power to its advantage and questioned the rationale behind its campaigns to protect democracy. These remarks were part of his wider political attack on the ruling party.
Concluding his address, Gadhvi urged farmers, cattle-rearers and workers to unite beyond caste and religious divisions ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections. He called for a government that prioritises agricultural communities and provides effective support during droughts.
The central issue remains the adequacy of Gujarat drought relief and whether the state government will revise its assistance measures in response to the concerns raised by farmers and opposition leaders. AAP continues to demand higher per-hectare compensation, a complete loan waiver and better arrangements for irrigation water and fodder.
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