Congress Pushes ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’, BJP Counters with ‘Unity March’; AAP Gears Up Ahead of Political Battle — What’s Happening in Gujarat?

As the Lok Sabha’s Winter Session heats up, Gujarat has once again moved to the center of India’s political debate. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged proliferation of alcohol and drugs in the state, triggering a fresh round of confrontation.

Amid this charged atmosphere, all three major political forces — BJP, Congress, and AAP — are on the ground with their respective public outreach campaigns, each seeking to consolidate strength ahead of crucial civic polls and the 2027 Assembly election.

Congress: ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ Draws Attention

The Congress claims massive public support for its ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’, launched on 21 November and concluding today (3 December). The campaign, led by state Congress leader Amit Chavda, has focused on governance failures, inflation, unemployment, and the alleged liquor–drug nexus in Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in Parliament have amplified the Congress narrative, adding national-level visibility to the state campaign.

BJP: ‘Unity March’ Led by Mansukh Mandaviya

Not to be outdone, the BJP is conducting its own 150-km ‘Unity March’ commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Unlike usual practice where state leadership leads such campaigns, this march is being spearheaded by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The march began in Karmasad, Sardar Patel’s ancestral village, and will culminate on 6 December at Kevadia, home to the iconic Statue of Unity.
Mandaviya has previously helmed several BJP outreach programs in the state, making his leadership of this march politically significant.

AAP: Strengthening the Third Front with ‘Gujarat Jodo’

The Aam Aadmi Party, which emerged as a third force in the 2022 Assembly elections, is attempting to expand its base beyond Saurashtra and the tribal belt. Led by Isudan Gadhvi, AAP is running a ‘Gujarat Jodo’ campaign highlighting farmer distress, civic issues, and the liquor–drug controversy.

Gadhvi has reportedly held hundreds of public meetings in recent months. AAP MLAs Chaitar Vasava and Gopal Italia have also made illegal liquor and drug trafficking key issues, directly challenging the BJP’s governance narrative.

AAP aims to repeat its breakthrough performance in Surat, the city that first opened the door for the party in Gujarat’s politics.

Civic Elections After SIR Revision Work

Voter list revision work is currently underway across 12 states, including Gujarat. After the completion of the SIR (Special Summary Revision), civic elections will be held — likely in 2026 — for major municipal corporations such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and others.
Only Gandhinagar and Junagadh corporations are exempt from this round.

These elections are critical as they precede the 2027 Assembly elections, making them an early testing ground for public sentiment.

AAP Declares It Will Contest Alone

AAP has announced it will contest the civic polls without any alliances, ensuring a triangular contest.
With the BJP dominating urban local bodies, AAP aims to consolidate its gains among farmers and urban voters through mega mahapanchayats.
Congress faces a dual challenge — combating the BJP’s organizational strength while defending its voter base from AAP’s encroachment.

New Ministers Complete Training; Governance Issues Remain

After a recent cabinet reshuffle, fresh BJP ministers have completed their formal training. The party also held a strategy camp in Valsad attended by ministers, district collectors, and municipal commissioners.

The BJP government boasts major achievements such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train trials and Ahmedabad’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. However, urban infrastructure issues — including poor roads and allegations of corruption in municipal bodies — remain a concern.

The Opposition, meanwhile, has increasingly targeted Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, particularly over the liquor–drug issue. Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and Sanghavi have already exchanged sharp words, and Rahul Gandhi’s latest attack adds fuel to the ongoing confrontation.