AAP holds Gujarat-wide marches for jailed MLA Chaitar Vasava, vows High Court fight
Synopsis
AAP's Gujarat unit took to the streets on 26 June after Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava was handed a seven-year sentence for allegedly assaulting forest officials in 2023 — a verdict that has simultaneously put his Assembly seat at risk. With Kejriwal calling it a political conspiracy and the party launching a three-phase agitation, the case has become AAP's most visible Gujarat flashpoint ahead of any future electoral contest.
Key Takeaways
AAP organised statewide 'Support March' demonstrations across Gujarat on 26 June for jailed Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava .
Vasava, his wife Shakuntala Vasava , and seven others were convicted by the Rajpipla sessions court and sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment with a fine of ₹25,000 each.
The case relates to the alleged assault of forest department officials on 30 October 2023 in Dediapada , Narmada district .
Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi stated Vasava has ceased to be a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly under the Representation of the People Act , subject to any court stay.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has called the charges politically motivated; the party plans further marches across all Assembly constituencies on 28 June .
Vasava has indicated he will challenge the conviction before the Gujarat High Court .
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, 26 June organised statewide 'Support March' demonstrations across Gujarat in solidarity with Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava, who was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment by a sessions court in Narmada district over a 2023 case involving the alleged assault of forest department officials, obstruction of public servants, and extortion. The party has vowed to pursue all available legal remedies, including an appeal before the Gujarat High Court.
The Statewide Agitation
The marches on 26 June were the first phase of a three-stage agitation announced by AAP on 24 June. Gujarat unit in-charge Gopal Rai had declared that 'Support March' foot processions would be held in every district on 26 June, followed by marches across all Assembly constituencies on 28 June.
In Junagadh, the procession was led by MLA Gopal Italia and state organisation secretary Raju Borkhatria. In Surat, state vice-president Rambhai Dhaduk, state organisation secretary Dharmesh Bhanderi, and Surat Lok Sabha in-charge Rajnikant Vaghani headed the march. In Ahmedabad, state vice-president Gauriben Desai, state organisation secretary Dr Karan Barot, and other senior functionaries attended. Similar demonstrations were held in Bardoli, Sabarkantha, and other parts of the state.
What the Court Found
Additional Sessions Judge A. V. Hirpara of the Rajpipla sessions court convicted Chaitar Vasava, his wife Shakuntala Vasava, and seven others over an incident on 30 October 2023. According to the prosecution, forest officials had moved to remove alleged encroachments from government forest land in Dediapada. At a subsequent meeting convened to discuss the dispute, officials were allegedly assaulted and threatened. Prosecutors further alleged that Vasava fired an unlicensed pistol to intimidate the officials. All nine convicts were sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹25,000 each.
AAP's Position and Kejriwal's Backing
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had earlier backed Vasava, alleging that the charges were false and politically motivated. The party claimed that Vasava, described as someone who 'raised his voice for the tribal community', had been jailed as part of a conspiracy — allegations that remain unverified and are contested by the prosecution's record.
Assembly Membership in Question
The conviction has triggered a constitutional question over Vasava's continued membership of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi stated that Vasava had ceased to be a member of the House following the sentence, under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act. However, the Deputy Speaker noted that the disqualification could be affected by any appeal or stay granted by a higher court. Vasava has indicated he intends to challenge the conviction before the Gujarat High Court, a move that will be closely watched for its implications on his legislative status.
Point of View
AAP risks conflating a court's findings with electoral grievance, which could undermine its credibility on rule-of-law issues. The more consequential question is whether the Gujarat High Court grants a stay, since that alone will determine whether Vasava retains his Assembly seat and AAP avoids a by-election it may not be positioned to win. The three-phase agitation signals the party sees more political upside in victimhood optics than in engaging with the substance of the charges.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava sentenced to seven years?
Chaitar Vasava was convicted by the Rajpipla sessions court in Narmada district for the alleged assault of forest department officials, obstruction of public servants, and extortion in connection with an incident on 30 October 2023. Prosecutors alleged that Vasava also fired an unlicensed pistol to intimidate officials during a meeting over a land encroachment dispute in Dediapada.
What is AAP doing in response to Vasava's conviction?
AAP launched a three-phase statewide agitation in Gujarat, beginning with 'Support March' foot processions in every district on 26 June, followed by marches in all Assembly constituencies on 28 June. The party has also vowed to pursue all available legal remedies, including an appeal before the Gujarat High Court.
Does Chaitar Vasava still hold his Gujarat Assembly seat?
Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi has stated that Vasava ceased to be a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly following his conviction, under the Representation of the People Act. However, his membership could be reinstated if the Gujarat High Court grants a stay on the conviction pending appeal.
What has Arvind Kejriwal said about the Vasava case?
AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the charges against Vasava were false and politically motivated. He backed Vasava, with the party claiming he was jailed for raising his voice on behalf of the tribal community — allegations the prosecution disputes.
Who else was convicted alongside Chaitar Vasava?
A total of nine people were convicted, including Vasava, his wife Shakuntala Vasava, and seven others. All nine were sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹25,000 each by Additional Sessions Judge A. V. Hirpara of the Rajpipla sessions court.
