AAP Declares ‘Black Day’ Across Gujarat, Alleges BJP Role in Botad Farmers’ Clash

Ahmedabad / Botad | Gujarat —Tension flared across Gujarat on Monday as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declared a ‘Black Day’ in protest against what it called the “brutal treatment of farmers” during a violent clash in Haddar village of Botad. AAP has accused BJP supporters of pelting stones and instigating violence at a farmers’ Mahapanchayat organized to protest “looting and corruption” in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the state.

The party’s state president, Yesudaan Gadhvi, came out strongly against the BJP, alleging that “the government has unleashed British-style oppression on farmers who only wanted fair prices for their crops.”

“Farmers were lathicharged at the behest of the BJP. The police acted like private guards of ruling politicians. Around 250 farmers, including women, were detained without water or food. The Chief Minister and Home Minister remain silent,” Gadhvi said during a press conference in Ahmedabad.

Clash Erupts During AAP’s Farmers’ Mahapanchayat

The Aam Aadmi Party had announced a Farmers’ Mahapanchayat in Botad on Sunday to protest against the “Kadda system” and alleged corruption in cotton and crop pricing. The party claims it sought official permission for the event, but the request was denied. Defying the order, thousands of farmers gathered at Botad APMC, demanding immediate reforms.

According to eyewitnesses, as AAP leaders including Yesudaan Gadhvi and Raju Karpada began addressing the crowd, police tried to disperse the gathering. Tensions escalated rapidly when stones were pelted, and several vehicles were vandalized.

AAP leaders alleged that “BJP supporters and bootleggers” were deliberately brought into the area to incite violence and discredit the peaceful farmers’ protest.

“We had gone there to demand justice for farmers, not to create chaos,” said an AAP worker from Bhavnagar. “But the administration treated us like criminals while the real culprits were protected.”

Statewide Protests and Police Action

In response, AAP announced statewide protests, observing Monday as ‘Black Day’ to condemn what they called “black rule by the BJP government.”

In Surat, AAP leaders were dragged and detained by police during demonstrations. In Junagadh, under the leadership of AAP women’s wing president Reshma Patel, workers tied black bands on their heads to symbolize defiance. Several protesters were detained by police there as well. Meanwhile, in Vadodara, party members raised slogans accusing the government of “betraying farmers for corporate interests.”

The protests reflect growing anger among farmers and rural communities, many of whom say they have been victims of exploitation in the APMC system.

“Farmers’ goods are rejected by traders under the excuse of poor quality,” Gadhvi said. “This system is rigged against the poor. The BJP has started robbing farmers through APMC middlemen.”

AAP’s Next Move: Exposing Loot in 400 APMCs

As part of its next phase of agitation, AAP announced a massive campaign to expose corruption across more than 400 APMCs in Gujarat.

“We are forming 100 teams to visit APMCs and expose looting,” Gadhvi said. “We have launched a helpline number — 91049 18196 — for farmers to report corruption. Whenever farmers complain, our team will reach the spot and make the truth public.”

Gadhvi also issued a warning to the ruling BJP, saying that if the government continues to suppress farmers’ voices, “54 lakh farmers across Gujarat will not allow a single BJP event to be held.”

He added a stinging remark, “The ego of Ravana now resides in BJP leaders. Just as Ravana’s arrogance led to his fall, this arrogance will end the BJP’s rule in Gujarat.”

Cotton Auctions Resume Amid Rising Tension

Meanwhile, after a three-day disruption due to the clashes, the cotton auction at Botad APMC resumed on Monday, with hundreds of farmers arriving to sell their produce. While normalcy has tentatively returned to the marketplace, political observers say the Botad incident has deepened tensions between AAP and BJP and could shape the discourse ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections.