In a significant political move, over 500 members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Gujarat State Secretary Suryasinh Dabhi and Ahmedabad City President Om Prakash Tiwari, have joined the Congress.
They were inducted into the Congress at a programe held Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The new members were welcomed by senior Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary and Gujarat in-charge Mukul Wasnik, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Chavda, and Legislative Party Leader Tushar Chaudhary.
The former AAP members cited growing dissatisfaction and alleged that the AAP’s actions were indirectly benefiting the BJP by splitting the opposition vote.
In a statement released by the GPCC, they accused AAP’s leadership—especially those from Delhi—of issuing directives that ultimately supported BJP interests. “We realised that only the Congress can truly challenge the BJP’s authoritarian policies and represent a people-centric vision,” the statement said.
Among those who joined Congress are AAP leaders Kantiji Thakor (former Kalol Assembly candidate), Rambhai Yadav (State Joint Secretary), Rajeshbhai Bhatt (District Secretary, Gandhinagar), Narendrasinh Dabhi and Natwarsinh Dabhi (District and Ward Secretaries), as well as Ahmedabad leaders Pravinbhai Sasla and Ashokbhai Yadav.
In response, AAP Gujarat President Isudan Gadhvi downplayed the development, calling it a sign of insecurity among a few individuals. Talking to section of the media, Ghadvi claimed that from August 1 to 6, over 5,000 workers from the BJP and Congress had joined the AAP during public meetings attended by more than one lakh people. He said AAP is expanding rapidly and preparing to form the next government in Gujarat. “Even former Congress MLAs are set to join us soon,” he claimed.
Congress leaders used the occasion to criticize the BJP’s governance. Wasnik pointed to rising economic inequality, inflation, and unemployment under BJP rule, asserting that Congress remains committed to inclusive development and democratic values. “The Congress fought for India’s freedom, and we continue to fight for its democratic soul,” Wasnik said.
Chavda said that people from all walks of life are joining Congress due to the BJP’s anti-people policies. He emphasised the party’s commitment to protecting democracy and the Constitution. “We assure all those joining us that their dignity and role in the party will be respected,” Chavda said.
Chaudhary added that Congress, unlike the BJP, promotes internal democracy and values diverse voices. He said the influx of leaders and workers from other parties would further strengthen the Congress.
The development comes close on the heels of AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement during a July visit to Gujarat that the party had severed all ties with Congress. He clarified that the INDIA alliance was only for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and AAP would contest the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections independently.
Also Read: Torrent Group’s Green Hydrogen Plant In Gorakhpur Inaugurated By UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath https://www.vibesofindia.com/torrent-groups-green-hydrogen-plant-in-gorakhpur-inaugurated-by-up-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath/
