Morbi: A major controversy has erupted on the 17th day of the ongoing hunger strike at Jetpar in Morbi district over farmers’ issues. Folk writer and comedian Hakabha Gadhvi made serious allegations against Nilesh Arvadiya , who is associated with the movement, during a press conference. According to Hakabha, Arvadiya demanded ₹25 crore in exchange for holding a meeting with the government and agreed to the meeting only after receiving an advance of ₹2 crore. Hakabha also alleged that he was personally offered ₹1 crore. Arvadiya , however, has denied all the allegations.

At the press conference, Hakabha Gadhvi said he had joined the movement not for any political gain but in the interest of farmers. According to him, he attended a gathering in Diara on June 21 at the invitation of Nilesh Arvadiya and also visited the protest site the following day out of respect for the sentiments of the farmers.

Hakabha said he was accused of being affiliated with the BJP but chose to distance himself from the movement for some time to avoid harming it. He claimed that Arvadiya later repeatedly asked him not to visit the protest site.

Making his most serious allegation, Hakabha claimed that before any meeting with the government, Arvadiya demanded ₹25 crore and insisted that ₹2 crore be paid in advance. He further alleged that he was personally offered ₹1 crore. Hakabha said he “couldn’t sleep the whole night” after hearing the proposal.

Hakabha claimed that to gather evidence, he made a WhatsApp call to Arvadiya , which was recorded by his son. According to him, the recording contains a conversation about accepting ₹2 crore before the proposed meeting with the government.

During the press conference, Hakabha, referring to the recording, said: “Neeleshbhai is saying that first the government should settle the ₹2 crore that is to be paid… the government should give two crore rupees, one for you and one for me… such a recording is in my phone.”

He further quoted the conversation, saying: “I want the farmers’ rights, I don’t care about the money. You take the money, give it to me if I only want to take it, then say so now so that we don’t argue about it later.”

Hakabha said he had remained silent until now because revealing the allegations earlier could have derailed the farmers’ movement. He said, “If I had said this earlier, the movement would have collapsed because the people of Jetpar have worked so hard to build it. The committee members work tirelessly, fast for days, remain hungry, but this person does not stay hungry.”

He also alleged that when he spoke about the hunger strike, Arvadiya had told him, “Don’t worry. If you faint during the fast, I will feed you parathas on the side.”

Hakabha maintained that all his allegations were directed only at Nilesh Arvadiya and not at the Jetpar Khedut Andolan Samiti or the protesting farmers. “The farmers of Jetpar and the committee are all innocent,” he said.

Following the allegations, the Jetpar Khedut Andolan Samiti convened an emergency meeting. Committee leader Raju Amrutia announced that Nilesh Arvadiya was being removed from the hunger strike camp and would not be allowed to enter it again. The committee also clarified that any statements made by Arvadiya henceforth would be his personal responsibility.

Arvadiya , meanwhile, denied all the allegations. He said anyone could level accusations, but they must be backed by evidence. According to him, several attempts are being made to derail the farmers’ movement. He also claimed that he had been offered crores of rupees and was receiving threats.

Arvadiya has been admitted to hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated during the hunger strike. He said he was undergoing treatment because of a drop in his blood volume. However, he maintained that his support for the farmers’ agitation remained unchanged and said he would abide by whatever decision the agitation committee takes after his discharge from the hospital.

Following Hakabha’s allegations, Arvadiya also sought police protection, claiming he had received encounter threats. He further alleged that the voice in the audio clip circulating on social media was not his.

Hakabha Gadhvi has also sought police protection from the state government for himself and his family. It is learnt that police personnel have been deployed outside his residence.

The developments have plunged the Jetpar farmers’ movement into a fresh controversy. On one hand are Hakabha Gadhvi’s serious allegations, while on the other is Nilesh Arvadiya’s categorical denial. With both sides standing by their claims, attention is now focused on whether an investigation and supporting evidence will establish the truth behind the allegations. DeshGujarat