Ahmedabad, Feb 11 (NationPress) Raju Karpada, a prominent leader in the farming community, has stepped down from all roles within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat, representing a significant blow to the party in the region. According to party officials, political pressure from the state government played a role in Karpada’s decision, especially after his over 100 days in jail during the Haddad agitation.

Karpada, who was at the forefront of AAP’s Kisan Morcha and held the position of president of its Gujarat Kisan Cell, shared his resignation via social media, stirring speculation about his future in politics.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Karpada expressed: “I resign from all posts of the Aam Aadmi Party. My decision may come as a shock to many. I dedicated significant time and effort, alongside my family, to bolster the party, but perhaps destiny had planned my involvement only until this moment.”

“If I have unintentionally hurt anyone, I sincerely apologize. I am deeply thankful to the national and state leadership of AAP, as well as to my colleagues and farmer allies, for their support and affection.”

Karpada joined the AAP in 2021-22 and ran in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections from the Chotila constituency.

He became a vital advocate for farmers in Surendranagar, Botad, and adjacent districts, significantly contributing to the mobilization for farmers’ rights and advocating for agricultural reforms.

His resignation comes on the heels of an agitation in October of the previous year, where thousands of farmers congregated in Hadadad village, Botad district, protesting against alleged unfair weighing methods—termed the ‘Kadda’ system—employed by cotton dealers at local Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).

Authorities asserted that the assembly was unauthorized, resulting in heightened tensions and legal actions against 85 individuals, including Karpada and fellow AAP leader Pravin Ram.

Both leaders were detained on October 16 while preparing for a hunger strike to demand justice for farmers and were released on bail nearly four months later, on January 29.

In response to Karpada’s resignation, AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi remarked: “Raju Karpada has consistently championed farmers’ rights. He played a pivotal role during the agitation and in revealing corruption within APMCs throughout Gujarat. While the personal reasons for his resignation remain unclear, his dedication to farmers has been steadfast.”

Pravin Ram, the president of the party’s Pradesh Frontal Organisation, expressed: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Rajubhai’s resignation. He has always been a fervent advocate for farmers. The BJP government has deliberately exerted pressure on us through arrests and intimidation. His choice may be a result of such political pressure, but our fight for farmers’ justice will persist.”

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava added: “Raju Karpada is a dedicated and resilient leader who spent over 100 days in jail during the Haddad agitation. His resignation is regrettable, yet the party’s struggle for farmers’ rights in Gujarat will continue with renewed vigor.”

Karpada’s exit raises concerns regarding the party’s organizational strength in Gujarat, with analysts closely observing whether he will align himself with another political group, potentially the BJP.