Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat of “dictatorship” after he was denied permission to meet farmers lodged in Rajkot jail. Kejriwal is on a three-day visit to Gujarat.
Speaking at a press conference in Rajkot, Kejriwal said he had applied a day earlier to meet the jailed farmers but received a message on Tuesday morning informing him that the request had been rejected. He questioned the decision, asking whether he was being treated like a “terrorist or criminal.” According to him, the detained individuals are ordinary farmers protesting peacefully.
Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat: Hardad Farmer Protests situation similar to British Rule
Kejriwal likened the situation to colonial times, stating that even the British allowed freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh to receive visitors. He alleged that today’s government is acting “more cruelly and tyrannically” than the British.
The jailed farmers were among those detained during a protest in Hardad two months ago. The farmers were reportedly demanding fair compensation and access to agricultural inputs. Kejriwal claimed that police used lathi-charge and tear gas on demonstrators, entered homes, and arrested 88 farmers and their family members. Of these, 42 have been granted bail while the rest remain behind bars. He alleged that police intentionally skip court hearings to delay justice.
Kejriwal said he met families of the arrested farmers on Monday. According to him, those released on bail reported being denied food and water for 24 hours and being beaten in custody. He accused the BJP government of attempting to “break the morale” of farmers.
Arvind Kejriwal in Gujarat: Paper Leaks and Drug Abuse in Gujarat
The AAP leader also attacked the state government over repeated exam paper leaks, which he said were leaving thousands of youth jobless despite taking education loans. He alleged that individuals linked to the BJP were involved in the leaks.
He further claimed that the drug trade is flourishing in Gujarat and that narcotics are available “in every street,” pushing the youth towards addiction. Kejriwal said the BJP’s three-decade rule in the state has resulted in poor roads, rising unemployment, and neglect of farmers. He accused the BJP of acting with “arrogance like Ravana and Kansa.” He also criticised the Congress, alleging that it has an understanding with the BJP and does not want change in the state.
आज गुजरात के लोगों ने बीजेपी की तानाशाही का जीता जागता उदाहरण देख लिया। आज मुझे राजकोट की जेल में बंद किसानों से मिलने जाना था, मुझे मिलने नहीं दिया गया।
क्या मैं कोई आतंकवादी हूँ, जो किसानों से मिलने की इजाज़त नहीं दी गई❓
– @ArvindKejriwal#KejriwalwithGujaratFarmers pic.twitter.com/D8knLmNejm
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 9, 2025
Kejriwal said the people of Gujarat now see AAP as the only viable alternative, naming several state leaders including Gopal Italia, Isudan Gadhvi, Raju Karpada, Praveen Ram, Chaitar Vasava, and Manoj Sorathia as gaining public support. He urged citizens not to fear government action such as FIRs or arrests, claiming even he has been jailed. Kejriwal promised that if AAP forms the government in Gujarat in two years, all “false cases” against farmers and citizens would be withdrawn within 24 hours, and ministers responsible for harassment would face legal action.
Also Read: Kejriwal Targets BJP, says Gujarat Farmers face False FIRs, Imprisonment, and Suppression
