Umesh Makwana resigns from AAP posts over party principles

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a political jolt in Gujarat with Umesh Makwana, its MLA from the Botad constituency, stepping down from all party posts. The development comes just days after the party celebrated a major victory in the Visavadar by-election, where it secured a crucial assembly seat.In a letter addressed to AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Makwana cited his inability to focus on social work due to party responsibilities as the primary reason behind his resignation. He stated that while he is stepping down from all official roles, he will continue to work with the party as an ordinary worker.

However, in a public statement, Makwana also expressed disillusionment with the direction the party is taking. "I worked in the BJP on different posts for 20 years. At a time when AAP had no presence in Gujarat, I left the ruling BJP to join AAP. But now, I feel the party is moving away from the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. That’s why I have resigned from all posts," he said.

#WATCH | Gujarat | Aam Aadmi Party's Botad MLA Umesh Makwana resigns from all party posts

He says, "I worked in the BJP on different posts for 20 years. At the time when no one even recognised AAP in Gujarat, I left the ruling BJP party to join Aam Aadmi Party. Today, in AAP, I… pic.twitter.com/GRfugBabsk

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025

Makwana also indicated that he would consult with local residents in Botad to consider the possibility of launching a new political outfit. “I will go among the people of Botad. I will meet a few people to discuss whether or not to form a separate party,” he said.The resignation has raised questions about internal differences within AAP’s Gujarat unit and comes at a time when the party is looking to expand its footprint in the state ahead of future elections.