Visavadar: The political controversy surrounding the alleged grain scam in Visavadar has taken a dramatic turn, with the BJP accusing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Italia of shielding his own party workers while raising allegations against others.

The row began on August 1, when newly elected Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia staged a sit-in protest outside the local police station, demanding the registration of an FIR into what he termed a large-scale black-marketing of subsidized foodgrains. Italia alleged that BJP-backed fair price shop owners and local authorities were hand-in-glove in the scam. The protest was later called off after the Mamlatdar assured a thorough investigation.

Acting on Italia’s claims, authorities began inspecting several fair price shops. During an inspection on August 5 at Jetalvad village in Visavadar taluka, a surprise twist emerged. The fair price shop under scrutiny was originally allotted to one Devjibhai Thrada. However, officials found that the shop was being illegally operated out of the residence of Razak Jusabhai Parmar, the AAP’s Visavadar Taluka Secretary.

During the inspection, AAP’s Visavadar Taluka President Haresh Savaliya went live on Facebook, inadvertently highlighting the involvement of party members. At Parmar’s residence, officials recovered 48 bags of government-supplied foodgrains meant for distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Several AAP workers were also reportedly present at the site.

Reacting sharply, BJP spokesperson Yagnesh Dave accused Gopal Italia of hypocrisy. “Italia raised a hue and cry about the scam, but the subsidized grain was found at an AAP office-bearer’s house. Is this not double standards?” Dave said. He claimed the seized grain was worth ₹3.40 lakh, and demanded that AAP clean up its own ranks before pointing fingers at others.

Under the Gujarat Essential Commodities (Licensing of Fair Price Shops) Order, 2025, the District Supply Officer has the authority to suspend or cancel licenses and impose penalties at double the standard rate. Additionally, violations under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 may result in criminal proceedings, subject to the Collector’s directions. DeshGujarat