On Wednesday, Junagadh police arrested Nilesh Hardas Malam, a candidate from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Osa seat in Junagadh taluka panchayat, for possessing illicit liquor valued at ₹96,000 (approximately $1,160 USD). Following a tip-off, police raided Malam's godown and discovered 96 bottles of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL). He has been charged under the Gujarat Prohibition Act. AAP's spokesperson, Karan Barot, stated that while the party supports legal action against wrongdoing, they believe many of their candidates are being falsely accused as part of a political strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Barot pointed to a pattern of intimidation and harassment faced by AAP candidates, including threats and violence, as the April 26 local body elections approach. He mentioned several incidents where AAP members were allegedly threatened or coerced, indicating a troubling environment for political participation in Gujarat.