Vadodara AAP Protest Turns Stormy: Mayor Targeted

Vadodara, Gujarat –  The simmering anger of Vadodara residents over civic failures erupted on Monday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a dramatic protest at the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. From broken roads to flood fears and unaddressed deaths in the Harni boat tragedy, the protest highlighted a laundry list of unresolved issues—and culminated in the vandalism of the Mayor’s office.

In a shocking act of public outrage, AAP workers broke the nameplate of Mayor Pinkiben Soni and sprayed black ink on her office door after discovering she was absent during their visit to submit a memorandum. Eight AAP workers, including two women, were detained by the police amid the chaos.

“This is not vandalism—it is a desperate cry for accountability,” said Janviba Gohil, General Secretary of Vadodara AAP. “For months, the people have suffered, and the mayor remains silent. Today’s protest is a result of that silence.”

Monsoon Misery Sparks Revolt

With just normal rainfall this monsoon, potholes have re-emerged across Vadodara, causing accidents and public outrage. Several areas are also grappling with intermittent water supply and severe waterlogging, triggering fears of another flood-like situation similar to past years.

“The mayor has failed to answer whether the city will flood again this year. She is not even present to hear our demands,” said Piyush Ramani, Youth Joint Secretary of AAP Gujarat. “Justice for the Harni boat victims is still pending, and corruption in the Vishwamitri project has crossed ₹100 crore. Why should she continue in office?”

Justice for Harni Boat Victims Still Elusive

The Harni Lake boating tragedy, which claimed the lives of several children earlier this year, continues to haunt Vadodara. Despite public outcry, no senior civic official has been held accountable, and victims’ families continue to seek justice.

Mounting Public Pressure

The protest lasted for over 30 minutes, with slogans like “Mayor resign, solve water crisis, fix potholes, and give justice to Harni victims” echoing through the corridors of the municipal corporation.

The Navapura police had to forcibly remove the activists from the premises. Despite the detentions, AAP leaders vowed to intensify their movement if the demands remain unaddressed.

“This is just the beginning. We are not afraid of arrests. We are fighting for the people of Vadodara,” said Janviba Gohil.