Arvind Kejriwal in Rajkot: “Time Has Turned — Gujarat Will Now Choose AAP”

During his three-day visit to Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal held an interaction with party workers in Rajkot on Monday, asserting that “the next Mayor of Rajkot will be from AAP.” Kejriwal said that the people of Rajkot had shown strong faith in AAP by giving the party 18% votes in the previous municipal elections, and now this trust has grown even stronger.

Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the BJP, which has been in power in Gujarat for 30 years. “In these 30 years, Singapore became a developed nation, while the BJP has pushed Gujarat backward. The time has turned now—Gujarat will have a people’s government, where public voices will shape governance,” he said.

He urged party workers to go door-to-door and free people from the “fear of BJP” that he claimed has been instilled in their minds.

Kejriwal Slams Government Over Arrest of Farmers’ Children

Addressing workers, Kejriwal condemned the recent arrests of 88 farmers’ children during a peaceful protest against the Karada tax system. He said the charges were fabricated and extremely harsh.

“I met the families this morning. Farmers were peacefully demanding their rights, which the Constitution guarantees, yet they were lathi-charged and jailed,” he said.

He said that of the 88 arrested, 42 had been granted bail, while 46 remained in jail. “Farmers told me they were denied drinking water and food for the first 24 hours. They were beaten brutally. This is what the British did to us.”

‘Gujarat Will Not Tolerate This Repression Any Longer’

Kejriwal said that such “rule by force” would no longer continue in Gujarat. The emotional stories of the farmers’ families, he said, brought tears to his eyes.

He stated that instead of intimidating farmers, the government’s actions had united them across the state. Villagers collectively worked on the farms of the arrested families to show solidarity. “Those who were jailed have inspired the entire state to rise together,” he said.

‘Roads Broken, Schools Failing, Drugs Rampant’

The AAP chief launched a scathing criticism of Gujarat’s governance.

“Almost all roads in Gujarat are broken. For 30 years the BJP has failed to build proper roads, run schools, or improve hospitals. Drugs are being openly sold across the state. Anyone who raises their voice is booked under false cases,”* he said.

He added that even he was jailed in a “fabricated case.” “If Kejriwal is corrupt, then no one in this world is honest,” he said firmly.

‘Be Prepared for FIRs — I Stand With My Workers’

Kejriwal warned that AAP workers might also face FIRs, but assured them of full support.

“These people may send you to jail, but I will get you out. Like we freed 42 farmers, soon the remaining 46 will also come out. Spending a month or two in jail for the nation is not a big deal,” he said.

He promised that once AAP forms government in Gujarat, all false cases against farmers and workers would be withdrawn.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he said, “When the wheel of time turns, even the strongest thrones shake. The BJP’s time is over.”

‘People’s Trust in AAP Has Strengthened’

Reiterating that “the time has now changed,” Kejriwal said that Gujarat would soon witness the end of BJP’s long rule.

“No one needs to fear anymore. Gujarat will run on the will of its people, not the BJP. People will decide. Their government will work for them,” he said.

He added that Rajkot had trusted AAP with 18% votes when the party was new and small. “Today people have even more faith in us. We must connect with every household and reassure them. We are confident that the next Mayor of Rajkot will be from AAP.”