Nagpur: Marking the birthday of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Nagpur unit, staged a unique protest under the theme “Jithe Gadda, Tithe Zhad” (A tree for every pothole) in the Geeta Nagar area of the city on July 22.

The protest aimed to draw attention to the poor condition of newly constructed roads across Nagpur. Party workers symbolically planted saplings in potholes, terming it a ‘return gift’ to the Chief Minister. AAP alleged that the deteriorating condition of roads just months after construction is a clear indication of rampant corruption and misuse of public funds.

AAP’s Co-Organising Secretary Girish Titarmare led the protest. Speaking at the event, he criticized Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, stating, “The minister who takes credit for good roads must also be held accountable for the bad ones. Citizens’ hard-earned money is being wasted, and someone must be answerable.”

The protest was met with police action. Several AAP workers were detained by Kalamna Police, and cases were registered against them. However, the party hailed this as a “reward” for bringing public issues to light.

Notable AAP leaders present at the protest included:

• Shailesh Gajbhiye – Vice President, Nagpur Rural
• Roshan Dongre – Organising Secretary, Nagpur City
• Joy Bangadkar – Organising Secretary, Nagpur City
• Rajubhau Kude – Youth President, Chandrapur District
• Tejram Shahu – Vice President, Nagpur Youth Wing
• Praveen Tambore – Party Activist

AAP has called for a thorough audit of road contracts and stricter accountability in infrastructure spending, especially as monsoon rains continue to expose poor workmanship across the city.