Gandhinagar, April 9 (NationPress) Raju Karpada, a prominent farmer advocate from Gujarat, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after his recent departure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This significant move took place at the party's state headquarters in Gandhinagar, where he was accompanied by hundreds of supporters.

Karpada was welcomed into the BJP by notable leaders such as State General Secretary Aniruddh Dave, former State Vice-President Gordhan Zadafia, State Vice-President Rasik Prajapati, and former State Minister Jaysinh Chauhan, who adorned him and his followers with the party's saffron scarf.

This induction arrives just ahead of the local self-government elections, coinciding with the AAP's diminishing organizational strength in the state.

In addition to Karpada, several associates including Amrut Makwana, Nitin Patel, K.D. Zala, Rajendra Singh Rathod, and Dhirubhai Melaliya also made the switch to the BJP.

Upon his induction, Karpada expressed, "Since 2017-18, I have been vocal about farmers' rights through my farmer organization. I joined a specific party (AAP) in 2021 to amplify farmers' voices. During times of natural disasters, I endeavored to advocate for farmers."

He further articulated, "I have come to understand that merely opposing the government does not aid farmers; it merely embellishes the leaders' image. To enhance farmers' conditions, alignment with power and government is crucial. While I was incarcerated, the government offered a relief package that genuinely benefited farmers. Hence, I have joined the BJP for the betterment of farmers."

Elaborating on his choice, Karpada stated that he initially joined AAP with the intention of fostering farmers' welfare, but later recognized that a more effective resolution to their ongoing issues necessitated alignment with the ruling party.

He also clarified his electoral intentions, stating, "I will not request a ticket for the local self-government elections. The party will determine the ticket, and my participation in the elections will also be at the party's discretion."

Karpada, who is originally from the Chotila area of Surendranagar district, gained notoriety during 2017-18 through vigorous protests addressing cotton and groundnut prices and issues related to crop insurance.

He joined AAP in 2021 and later contested the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections from the Chotila seat under their banner.

He was also regarded as a formidable candidate for the Gadhada Assembly seat, providing a stiff challenge to both the BJP and Congress parties.

Renowned as a grassroots and tenacious leader, Karpada garnered support among young voters and farmers, particularly in the Saurashtra region, through protests concerning insurance and other unresolved agricultural matters.

He has faced imprisonment multiple times during such protests, including an incident involving a violent clash between farmers and police in Hadadad village of Botad district last year, for which he was arrested and is currently out on bail.

Weeks prior to his resignation from the AAP, he cited dissatisfaction with the party's internal dynamics, alleging neglect of its workers.

His departure followed internal disputes within AAP, leading him to withdraw from its organizational engagements.