AAP Candidate in Junagadh Booked for Possession of Illicit Liquor Ahead of Local Elections
AAP’s Junagadh candidate ‘caught’ with Rs 96K illicit liquor, booked
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Nilesh Hardas Malam, the Aam Aadmi Party's candidate for the Osa seat in Junagadh taluka panchayat, was arrested for possessing illicit liquor valued at ₹96,000 (approximately $1,160 USD). The party claims this incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment against its members by political opponents ahead of the April 26 local body elections.
- 01Nilesh Hardas Malam was found with 96 bottles of illicit liquor worth ₹96,000.
- 02He has been booked under the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
- 03AAP claims many of its members are facing false allegations from political opponents.
- 04The party's spokesperson highlighted intimidation and threats against AAP candidates.
- 05The upcoming local body elections are marked by heightened tensions and accusations.
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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.
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The incident raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Gujarat, with allegations of intimidation potentially affecting voter turnout and candidate participation.
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