In a significant political development in Gujarat’s tribal belt, close to 700 workers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, including tribal leaders Praful Vasava of AAP and Raj Vasava of Congress, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. The induction took place during the party event, Adivasi Gaurav Abhivadan Samaroh, in Dediapada, Narmada district, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Party sources described the move as a major boost for the BJP ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi began his visit by paying floral tributes to the statue of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda before leading a roadshow to the event venue at Khokhrumar cricket ground. The ground lies within the constituency of AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, who is currently restricted from entering the taluka due to bail conditions stemming from an alleged attempt to murder a BJP leader in the area. The roadshow and induction ceremony drew large crowds, highlighting the BJP’s expanding influence among tribal communities in the region.

The inclusion of Praful Vasava and Raj Vasava into the BJP has been framed by party officials as strengthening the party’s grassroots presence in tribal areas. BJP leaders emphasized that the move would consolidate their organisational strength and voter base ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls. Sources indicated that the attendance of nearly 700 workers was a demonstration of shifting loyalties in the local political landscape.

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While the BJP celebrated the event as a political milestone, Congress downplayed its significance, with party officials stating that Raj Vasava was “not an active party leader” at the time of his induction. The Congress highlighted that many of its local supporters remain committed to the party despite the defection. Party strategists noted that such political moves are common in Gujarat ahead of election cycles, but their long-term impact will depend on voter response in the tribal constituencies.

AAP representatives, including MLA Chaitar Vasava, raised questions over the timing of the event, noting that it coincided with the ongoing Assembly session and examination season. Vasava criticised the rally as politically opportunistic, arguing that holding large-scale events during such sensitive periods could disrupt local administrative and educational processes. Observers suggest that the timing of such rallies is often carefully calculated by parties to maximise media attention and political messaging.

Political analysts believe the defection of tribal leaders and their supporters to the BJP underscores the party’s continued focus on consolidating tribal votes in Gujarat. With Assembly elections scheduled for 2027, both regional and national parties are increasingly engaging with local leaders to strengthen their foothold. The Dediapada event highlights the evolving dynamics of tribal politics in the state and sets the tone for the electoral battles that lie ahead.

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