Panaji: In a notable political shift in Valpoi, Former Congress Block President Arjun Appa Gurav joined the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday, bringing several supporters along with him. AAP Goa President Adv. Amit Palekar and AAP General Secretary Shrikrishna Parab welcomed the new members by presenting them with the party’s shawl.
Joining Gurav were supporters Ganesh Chorlekar, Pramod Gonkar, Amarnath Kopardekar, Tulshidas Gonkar and Laxman Gavkar, a development that AAP says will strengthen its organisational base in Sattari.
Speaking during the induction, Gurav criticised the BJP-led leadership in the region, alleging long-standing neglect of core issues such as roads, electricity, agriculture and basic civic development.
“In the villages of Sattari, essential issues remain unresolved even today. BJP Minister Vishwajit Rane has shown no willingness to address these concerns, and because of this, our region has not received the development it deserves,” he said.
Gurav added that AAP’s growing presence at the grassroots, especially in Sattari, influenced his decision.
“Given the fluid political situation in Goa, it has become difficult to understand who stands with whom. We decided not to depend on unreliable leaders and chose AAP — the only party consistently and firmly opposing BJP,” he stated.
He further noted that AAP’s focus on quality healthcare, education and transparent governance played a key role in motivating him and his team to switch over.
AAP leaders hailed the induction as a significant boost to the party’s expansion efforts in Valpoi and across the Sattari region.
