Surat : Godadara Tense as VHP Protests AAP Parivartan Sabha, Posters Defaced

Surat | Gujarat — A public meeting organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Surat’s Godadara area has triggered sharp political controversy and heightened tension even before the event could begin. The party’s proposed Parivartan Sabha, scheduled for Thursday evening, came under fierce opposition from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), following the appearance of provocative posters targeting AAP leaders.

Posters put up across Godadara featured images of senior AAP leaders — including state president Yesudan Gadhvi, Gopal Italia, Chaitar Vasava and Manoj Sorathia — allegedly edited to show them wearing Muslim caps. The posters also carried the text “Muslim Community – Meethi Khadi,” sparking outrage among local Hindu organisations. Soon after, several posters were defaced with black ink, while others were torn down.

VHP workers took to the streets in protest, raising slogans and accusing AAP leaders of having an “anti-Hindu mindset.” The protestors claimed that the meeting posed a threat to communal harmony in the area.

A VHP worker alleged, “There is a public meeting of ‘Mughals’ in Godadara. Just as Babur and Aurangzeb came and spread their influence, AAP is trying to do the same. Today it is them, tomorrow others will follow, and incidents like love-jihad and crime will increase.”

VHP activist Jay Sharma directly targeted AAP leader Gopal Italia, saying, “Italia is a man who is always against religion. Sometimes he insults the Bhagavad Gita, sometimes our kathakars. The entire Sanatani community of Godadara is opposing his entry here.”

He further asserted, “This is a Hindu-majority area. We request the administration to stop this Aam Sabha. These people have ‘no entry’ here.”

Following the protests, the atmosphere in Godadara turned tense, prompting concerns over law and order. Police forces remained alert as AAP leaders continued preparations for the evening meeting.

Responding to the allegations, AAP Surat city president Dharmesh Bhanderi accused elements close to the BJP of attempting to incite unrest. “There is a deliberate attempt to create a riot-like situation before our meeting. I personally met the PI of Godadara police station late at night and demanded strict legal action against these anti-social elements,” he said.