‘Gunda party’: BJP slams AAP as Gujarat MLA caught on video slapping man at factory

A political row has erupted after a video from Gujarat’s Bharuch district showed a physical altercation involving Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava, prompting sharp criticism from BJP leaders who accused the party of promoting “gunda gardi”.

The controversy stems from an incident at the Jhagadia GIDC industrial estate, where tensions flared following a recent fire at a chemical unit that left several workers injured and claimed two lives.

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A widely circulated video shows an argument between Vasava and a man outside the factory premises escalating into both individuals slapping each other, even as police personnel stood nearby before intervening.

Clash follows fire tragedy, compensation dispute

The confrontation took place a day after one of the injured workers, Rakesh Vasava, succumbed to his injuries. His relative, Roshan Vasava, had reached the site to discuss compensation for the bereaved family when the MLA also arrived with supporters, raising demands for higher payouts for victims.

Roshan Vasava alleged that the MLA provoked tensions during the exchange. “Chaitar Vasava came here and started inciting people. I know that he came here to extract money, not to support our community. I am not associated with any political party. I came here for the sake of my family,” he said.

He also warned that the MLA would be responsible if the situation worsened.

Responding to the allegations, Vasava said he had visited the site after being approached by victims’ families seeking justice and blamed the incident on outsiders present at the location.

“The blaze occurred due to negligence by the company. Of the 16 injured workers, two have died. Several others have suffered severe burns,” he said, adding that the company had failed to adequately engage with affected families.

He maintained that the confrontation escalated when individuals with no connection to the victims initiated an argument.

BJP leaders escalate attack, cite ‘pattern’

The incident quickly drew political reactions, with BJP MP Dhaval Patel accusing the MLA of assaulting members of a tribal victim’s family and claiming that multiple cases were already registered against him.

“He has violated court conditions, and we will make every effort to send him back to jail,” Patel said, adding that the MLA had attempted to insert himself into compensation discussions despite ongoing action by authorities.

Separately, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also weighed in, calling the AAP a “gunda party” and alleging that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of behaviour by its leaders. In a video message shared on social media, he accused the party of repeatedly engaging in violence and misconduct.

AAP is a Gunda Party

AAP MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava slapped a man outside the Metropolitan Eximchem factory in the Jhagadia GIDC industrial estate.

Person slapped was a relative of one of the victims..

We have often seen AAP netas indulging in gunda gardi – they… pic.twitter.com/O9MWhgaIbT

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 28, 2026

The AAP has not issued an official response to the latest political remarks, even as the incident continues to trigger debate over law and order and political conduct in the state.