Rift in AAP: Botad MLA Umesh Makwana May Resign

Gandhinagar, Gujarat – In a dramatic turn of events that has exposed internal rifts within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat, Botad MLA Umesh Makwana is likely to resign from his post, following the party’s celebration over Gopal Italia’s landslide victory in the Visavadar assembly by-election.

Makwana, visibly upset with the party’s internal dynamics, is scheduled to address a press conference in Gandhinagar on Thursday where he is expected to publicly air his grievances and possibly announce his resignation. This move comes just days after AAP secured a major win in Visavadar, a victory that was celebrated not only across Gujarat but also in the party’s Delhi headquarters.

According to party insiders, Makwana has been discontent with the central leadership’s approach, particularly after he was fielded unsuccessfully as a Lok Sabha candidate from Bhavnagar, following his 2022 win in the Botad assembly elections.

“This isn’t about Gopal Italia’s win—it’s about how the party treats its grassroots leaders. Makwana gave everything for the Bhavnagar campaign, and now feels sidelined,” a source close to the MLA revealed.

Makwana had defeated BJP’s Ghanshyam Virani and Congress’s Manhar Patel in Botad during the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, delivering one of AAP’s key wins. His rise was seen as part of AAP’s rural outreach strategy. However, the defeat in Bhavnagar Lok Sabha polls appears to have changed equations within the party.

Political observers say the timing of Makwana’s possible resignation—right after Gopal Italia’s comeback—suggests deep-seated tension within the Gujarat AAP unit.

“If Umesh Makwana quits, it will not only weaken AAP in the Saurashtra region but also send a strong signal that all is not well inside the party,” said political analyst Harshad Bhatt.

With AAP aiming to strengthen its roots in Gujarat ahead of 2027, internal discontent like this could be a serious setback. All eyes are now on Gandhinagar, where Makwana is expected to break his silence on Thursday and decide the future of his political career—and possibly the party’s image in Gujarat.