~ Jawahar Chavda

ઘરતી એ આપણી માતા છે. જેમ માના ઘાવણ પર પ્રથમ અધિકાર તેના સંતાન નો હોય તેમજ ઘરતીના પેટાળના પાણી પર પેહલો અધિકાર ધરતી પુત્ર (ખેડૂત) નોજ હોય.

~ જવાહર ચાવડા

Jawahar Chavda’s fight ended Gujarat’s Dark Zone

2009 - 2012

securing farmers’ water rights.

Dark Zone
Victory

Farmers’ Water Rights Restored!

“In 2007, after winning the Legislative Assembly Elections, Shree Jawahar Chavda took a deep interest in the problems affecting farmers, especially in Manavadar and Vanthali. One of the biggest issues he encountered was the government’s ban on new electricity connections due to the Dark Zone Movement in Gujarat.”

Jawahar Chavda’s 2012 BPL Sahayata Abhiyan secured welfare for

75,000

families and led to Gujarat’s Seva Setu Yojana.

BPL Justice

Welfare Rights for the Poor!

“In 2012, Jawahar Chavda launched the BPL Sahayata Abhiyan to fight government exclusions from welfare schemes. His efforts secured benefits for 75,000 families, won a High Court ruling, and led to the creation of Gujarat’s Seva Setu Yojana.”

Jawahar Chavda secured

₹600 crore

for Junagadh’s development through relentless campaigning.

Fund Fight for Junagadh

Secured ₹600 Crore for Development!

“When the government withheld Junagadh’s allocated ₹600 crore, Jawahar Chavda launched a large-scale campaign, mobilizing the people and demanding its release. His persistent efforts ensured the funds were provided in phases, securing Junagadh’s rightful development.”

Grassroots Empowerment:

From his early political wins to his social movements, he consistently focused on empowering marginalized communities, particularly farmers and the economically disadvantaged.

Social Justice Advocacy:

His work with the “Dark Zone” and “BPL Abhiyan” movements highlights a commitment to rectifying systemic inequalities and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Democratic Engagement:

He prioritized educating and engaging citizens, especially the youth, in the democratic process, fostering informed participation.

Accessible Governance:

His initiatives, like the “Lok Seva Karyalay,” aimed to simplify bureaucratic procedures and make government services more accessible.

Rural Development:

He championed sustainable rural development through his advocacy for farmers’ rights and environmental protection.

Timeline

At 25, Jawahar Chavda achieved a breakthrough by winning his first MLA election, defeating veteran Jerambhai Patel (Janta Dal & BJP – President). His victory stemmed from his father’s strong reputation, Congress Party support, and effective grassroots mobilization. Overcoming an initial 25,000-vote deficit, he secured a decisive win, marking a shift in voter sentiment. This success established him as a key opposition leader in Gujarat’s BJP-dominated political landscape, launching his influential political career.

In 2000, Jawahar Chavda showcased his grassroots strength by winning the Tehsils Panchayat elections with an independent panel. Rejecting major party affiliations, he built a dedicated team focused on local governance. His campaign emphasized direct voter engagement and community issues, leading to a decisive victory—securing 9 out of 15 Taluka Panchayat seats and a District Panchayat seat, reaffirming his deep public trust and political resilience.

In 2007, running as a Congress candidate, Jawahar Chavda made a strong political comeback by winning the MLA election. His victory was significant, as he triumphed over an unfamiliar opponent, reaffirming his leadership and public support in the constituency.

From 2007 to 2019, Jawahar Chavda’s political career was significantly defined by his unwavering advocacy for farmers’ rights. This period saw him consistently championing the cause of agricultural communities, particularly within his constituency. Recognizing the critical role farmers play in the region’s economy and the challenges they faced, he became a vocal advocate for their needs. His work extended beyond mere protest, encompassing detailed research, strategic planning, and persistent legislative action to bring about tangible changes in government policies. During this time, he also worked to reform crop insurance processes, and advocated for better flood management, ensuring farmers received fair compensation and protection from natural disasters. This dedication to farmers’ rights solidified his reputation as a leader deeply connected to the agricultural backbone of his community.

Jawahar Chavda played a pivotal role in securing development funds for Junagadh, initially ₹600 crore, later increased to ₹1100 crore. Despite government delays in disbursing the promised funds, Chavda mobilized public pressure and relentlessly advocated for their release. He emphasized the original commitment made by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Vaju Vala, ensuring Junagadh received its rightful allocation. His persistent efforts paved the way for crucial regional development.

After a three-year struggle, Jawahar Chavda successfully overturned Gujarat’s Dark Zone Movement restrictions in 2012. The policy unfairly limited farmers’ access to water and electricity while allowing industries to extract groundwater. Through extensive advocacy, protests, and legislative challenges, he exposed this injustice. His persistence led the government to lift the restrictions, restoring farmers’ rights and proving that determined activism can overcome systemic inequities.

In 2012, Jawahar Chavda continued his electoral success, securing another victory against his long time rival Ratibhai Sureja. This win solidified his position as a prominent Congress leader in the region.

In 2012, Jawahar Chavda led the BPL Sahayata Abhiyan to address injustices in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list. His campaign helped 70,000–75,000 deserving individuals regain access to government benefits. Facing resistance, he filed a PIL in the Gujarat High Court, which ruled in favor of citizens. His efforts exposed systemic flaws, leading to the government’s eventual adoption of the initiative as the Seva Setu Yojana.

During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, student clashes in Junagadh highlighted the need for democratic education. In response, Jawahar Chavda launched the Democracy Awareness Study to instill civic values. He organized an essay competition across 14 Tehsils on democracy’s meaning and ideal form. Personally engaging with students, he emphasized responsible voting, aiming to create informed citizens and prevent future political conflicts through education and awareness.

Through out his career, he helped farmers by helping with crop insurance reforms, flood control, green drought compensation, and securing water rights from the Ozat 2 and Bhadar 2 dams.

The 2017 election was a landmark victory for Jawahar Chavda. Contesting as a Congress candidate, he defeated Tinubhai Faldu of the BJP by a substantial margin of 30,000 votes. This significant win highlighted his strong grassroots support and popularity.

Jawahar Chavda was appointed Gujarat’s Cabinet Minister of Tourism & Fisheries within 24 hours of joining the BJP in 2019, despite not being an MLA. This rare move highlighted the party’s confidence in his political experience and grassroots influence. His swift appointment strengthened BJP’s appeal and governance strategy, showcasing trust in his leadership and his ability to secure victory in the upcoming by-election.

In 2019, Jawahar Chavda secured a significant by-election win as a BJP candidate against Arvindbhai Ladani. His victory, by a margin of 10,000 votes, came after his switch from Congress to BJP, showcasing his broad electoral appeal. Chavda’s campaign emphasized local development and community needs, reinforcing his influence and adaptability while validating his political transition and strengthening his standing within the BJP.

In 2019, Jawahar Chavda launched the Lok Seva Karyalay to simplify access to government services. Established in Manavadar, Vanthali, and Mendarada, these centers provided free assistance for income, caste, and domicile certificates, as well as welfare schemes. The One Window System saved citizens time and effort, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups. This initiative enhanced governance transparency and reinforced Chavda’s commitment to public service and citizen empowerment.

My Mission & Values

To empower marginalized communities, ensure social justice, and facilitate accessible governance for sustainable rural development.

After achieving significant success with the Dark Zone Movement in Gujarat, securing water rights for farmers, and the BPL Sahayata Abhiyan in Gujarat, ensuring welfare benefits reached the most vulnerable, Jawahar Chavda’s mission and values became even more firmly rooted in these principles.

Transparency & Accountability

Jawahar Chavda champions transparency and accountability for just governance and public trust.

Quality Education & Healthcare

Jawahar Chavda drives economic growth and employment for a prosperous future

Economic Growth & Employment

Jawahar Chavda prioritizes accessible, quality education and healthcare for all

Social Welfare & Inclusivity

Jawahar Chavda advocates for social welfare and inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind

My Vision

A thriving rural Gujarat where farmers have secure access to clean and sufficient water, where their voices are heard and respected, and where sustainable agricultural practices ensure a prosperous and resilient future for generations to come.