Why Did AAP MLA Drive a Tractor to the Gujarat Assembly?
Synopsis
In a bold statement against budget disparities, AAP MLA Hemant Khava drove a tractor to the Gujarat Assembly, emphasizing the need for equitable funding for rural areas. His protest highlights the ongoing struggle for farmers in a state where urban allocations far exceed those for villages.
Key Takeaways
Hemant Khava drove a tractor to the Assembly to highlight budget disparities.
Rs 33,000 crore allocated for urban areas versus Rs 14,000 crore for rural regions.
Only Rs 16 crore for agro-processing units indicates neglect of farmers.
Khava vows to continue advocating for fair treatment of rural communities.
Gandhinagar, Feb 19 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Hemant Khava took an unexpected step on Thursday by arriving at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in a tractor, aiming to voice his concerns regarding the state government’s Budget for 2026–27. He accused the administration of showing a clear bias against rural areas and farmers.
Khava, representing Jamjodhpur, was halted by police at the assembly gate and was prevented from entering with the tractor. He then proceeded on foot to participate in the assembly proceedings.
Addressing the media outside the House, Khava pointed out that the Budget demonstrates a stark contrast in funding for urban versus rural regions.
According to him, a substantial Rs 33,000 crore has been allocated for urban development, while a mere Rs 14,000 crore has been designated for rural areas.
He highlighted that 48% of Gujarat’s population resides in urban locales, whereas 52% live in rural settings. “Allocating Rs 33,000 crore to 48% of the population while providing just Rs 14,000 crore to 52% is a blatant injustice by the government,” he remarked.
Khava further claimed that the Rs 4 lakh crore Budget lacks meaningful provisions for farmers, with only Rs 16 crore set aside for agro-processing units compared to Rs 2,755 crore earmarked for the textile sector.
In discussing regional funding, he noted that only Rs 473 crore has been allocated for 11 districts in Saurashtra, while Rs 600 crore is allocated solely for irrigation in Ahmedabad.
During his protest, Khava told IANS, “I am a farmer’s son, not a terrorist, and this is a tractor, not a tank. I will raise these issues during the Budget discussion.”
He pledged to continue advocating for what he views as fair treatment for both villages and farmers.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the compelling narrative presented by AAP MLA Hemant Khava. His protest against budget allocations reflects a broader issue of equity in rural development, which deserves attention from both policymakers and the public. The disparity in funding raises essential questions about the prioritization of urban versus rural needs in Gujarat.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Hemant Khava's protest?
Hemant Khava protested against the Gujarat government's Budget for 2026–27, claiming it discriminates against rural areas and farmers.
How much funding was allocated for urban versus rural areas?
The Budget allocated Rs 33,000 crore for urban areas and only Rs 14,000 crore for rural areas.
What did Khava say about the Budget's impact on farmers?
Khava criticized the Budget for lacking significant provisions for farmers, highlighting only Rs 16 crore was allocated for agro-processing units.
