(Utkarsh Patel)

The Gujarat government has given priority to the anti-encroachment Drive in 2025, in which illegal mosques, shrines and other structures have been demolished in areas like Somnath, Dwarka and Ahmedabad. The Drive has freed up government lands, which has given a boost to development works and helped strengthen national security. These steps are the result of the leadership style of PM Modi, the country's Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, which has given priority to rule of law and public interest.

The anti-encroachment Drive in Gujarat in 2025 began with the Chandola Lake area of ​​Ahmedabad, where more than 12,000 illegal structures were demolished. Over 1,200 Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants were evicted from the area, which was also found to have links to al-Qaeda and drug cartels. The operation involved 74 JCBs, 200 trucks and 2,000 police personnel, which cleared 3.5 lakh square metres of land and recovered government land worth ₹200 crore. The operation was approved by the Gujarat High Court, which dismissed the encroachers’ pleas.

The operation was also extended to Dwarka and Somnath. Over 36 illegal structures, including mosques and shrines, were demolished in Dwarka’s Bet Dwarka and Pirotan Island. The area has been declared 100% encroachment-free, the drone footage of which was shared by Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi on social media. This action strengthened maritime security and prevented unauthorized activities like drugs and human trafficking. In Somnath, 9 mosques and shrines were also demolished, freeing up 102 acres of land and recovering government land worth ₹32 crore.

The success of this Drive is a result of PM Modi's leadership style, where he always gives priority to development and rule of law. With PM Modi's foresight and decisive approach, Gujarat has been established as a model state where problems like encroachment are dealt with with strict measures. The work style of the country's Home Minister Amit Shah is also commendable, as he is known for strengthening state and national security and internal order. Under his guidance, such Drives have gained momentum in Gujarat that prevent unauthorized entry and terrorist elements.

The work style of Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi is the backbone of this Drive. He said, ‘We will vacate government land and remove the illegal settlers.’ His decisive and transparent approach has made the Drive a success, which has seen coordination between the police and the administration. Under Sanghviji’s leadership, Gujarat has created encroachment-free areas that make land available for development projects.

This Drive has opened new doors of development in Gujarat. The release of lakes and beaches has protected the environment and increased national security. The trio of PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Sanghvi have established Gujarat as a safe and developed state, which is an inspiration to other states. It is clear from this style of work that following the law is the key to development.

(The author is a renowned entrepreneur and social worker. The views expressed in the article are their personal opinions.)

Surat: In a remarkable breakthrough showcasing the future of law enforcement, the Dahod district police unit—located in what is often described as Gujarat’s most remote and tribal region—has successfully leveraged AI-powered drone surveillance to detect and destroy concealed narcotic plantations. The operation resulted in seizures valued at nearly Rs 1.9 crore, marking a historic first for India.

This is the first-ever instance in the country where AI-integrated drones have been deployed to uncover drug cultivation—an achievement even major technology-driven metro cities have not yet matched.

Until recently, identifying drug cultivation hidden deep within forests and hill regions posed major challenges. Conventional drone cameras provided images that were often inconclusive, with cannabis plants appearing similar to okra, toor, or even saptaparni from the sky.

To overcome this, the Dahod police developed and refined a system that uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms to distinguish cannabis from other vegetation. Using free yet reliable online platforms (similar to plant-species recognition tools used by botanists), police teams created bespoke software to scan drone images.

When drones fly over farmlands or jungle patches, the AI system highlights suspected cannabis plantations in yellow, filtering out other foliage. After a year of fine-tuning, the system now operates with 80% accuracy. Since its deployment in 2024, it has successfully identified eight hidden marijuana plantations.

Superintendent of Police Rajdeepsinh Zala credited his team’s persistence:

 “Earlier, officers had to physically approach suspicious fields, often risking exposure. AI has changed everything.”

Local Tribal Youth at the Forefront of High-Tech Policing

A striking dimension of this achievement is who is operating the technology. Many of the constables running drone systems come from local tribal families—now trained, empowered, and deployed in cutting-edge policing.

Their success, officers say, symbolizes a transformation where “the world’s best technology is now being used by the sons of our soil.”

Harsh Sanghavi Hails Dahod’s Innovation

Reacting to the development, Gujarat’s Home and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised the Dahod police for proving that technology-led policing is not limited to major cities.

In his recent address on modern policing, Sanghavi said:

“Gujarat is building a model where technology becomes the backbone of safety. Even our remotest districts are showing India how artificial intelligence can protect society. Dahod’s achievement demonstrates that when innovation meets dedication, policing becomes smarter, faster, and more just.”

He reaffirmed that the state is committed to AI-enabled policing, drones for surveillance, and skill-building for police personnel across districts.

A Boost to India’s AI Mission

This ground-level innovation aligns with India’s broader push for an inclusive, responsible, and innovation-led AI ecosystem. As part of these efforts, the IndiaAI Mission under MeitY, in partnership with the Government of Gujarat and IIT Gandhinagar, is hosting a Regional Pre-Summit Event on December 11, 2025, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.

A new chapter of youth leadership is beginning in Gujarat politics. Young MLAs emerging from BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have become a hot topic at the center of power. In this, leaders like Harsh Sanghvi, Gopal Italia and Jignesh Mevani are creating their own identity in the front row of Gujarat politics. These young leaders are moving forward in politics by presenting their views accurately through social media and adhering to the party's policies.

Harsh Sanghvi: The young face of BJP:

BJP's Harsh Sanghvi is working as the Minister of State for Home Affairs in the Gujarat government. This young MLA, who comes from the Jain community, is considered close to the top leadership. Harsh, who is active on social media, is known for his unique style of work. It is not easy to fulfill the responsibility of Home Minister, but he is fulfilling this role well despite criticism and controversies. He is also teasing some top leaders of Gujarat BJP like a hawk, and there are public discussions about his jealousy towards Harsh from time to time.

Gopal Italia: Your Bold Leader:

Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia has been elected as an MLA from Visavadar. This young leader of the Patidar community is creating a stir in Gujarat politics with his bold and accurate speech. He repeatedly attacks BJP's Harsh Sanghvi and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil. In particular, C.R. Patil is even called a bootlegger. With Gopal's combative style and the courage to challenge the BJP-Congress, he is emerging as the only leader in Gujarat.

Jignesh Mevani: Congress's voice for social justice:

Jignesh Mevani of Congress is known as a passionate leader of the Dalit community, elected as an MLA from Vadgam. Jignesh, who entered politics through the fight for social justice and rights, is in the news in the state's politics with his aggressive and logical speech. He especially highlights the issues of Dalits and weaker sections and is at the forefront of criticizing the policies of the BJP government. His activism on social media and participation in mass movements have made him popular among the youth.

Role of youth leadership in Gujarat's politics:

Apart from these three leaders, young leaders emerging from various communities in Gujarat are playing an active role in politics. Harsh Sanghvi's management skills, Gopal Italia's assertive style and Jignesh Mevani's fight for social justice give a new dimension to Gujarat's politics. In the era of social media, these leaders have been successful in conveying their party's policies and ideologies to the people.

Who among these young maharathis will emerge in Gujarati politics in the coming times will be decided by the voters of Gujarat and time. But it is certain that Gujarati politics is moving in a new direction with the power of youth.

(Utkarsh Patel)

Gujarat is a state we proudly describe in many ways: the land of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence, Sardar Patel’s fearlessness, Narendra Modi’s vision for development, and Amit Shah’s political mastery. On this land of peace and prosperity, the challenges of crime and social unrest also exist. In such circumstances, the responsibility of maintaining peace and security in Gujarat lies in the hands of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghavi.

Harsh Sanghavi is a young face in politics who holds the critical and challenging role of Home Minister. His firm approach and decision-making abilities set him apart. Managing the Home Department is no small task—it involves ensuring internal security, law and order, and public safety. Looking at Harsh Sanghavi’s youthful energy and working style, it seems clear that he is committed to overcoming these challenges.

The Challenge of Gujarat’s Safety and Security

Gujarat, being an economically and industrially developed state, naturally faces issues like smuggling of liquor and drugs, illegal activities, social unrest, crimes against women, and cybercrime. As Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi has adopted a strict and proactive approach. Under his leadership, the performance of the Gujarat Police has improved significantly. His presence at police cadet graduation events and motivational speeches shows his dedication to strengthening the Home Department.

Balancing Youthful Energy with Responsibility

Harsh Sanghavi entered politics as a young MLA and quickly rose to the position of Minister of State for Home Affairs. At a young age, he has had the chance to prove his capabilities. Whether it was the Morbi bridge tragedy or illegal liquor rackets, he has faced difficult situations by addressing public concerns and providing reassurance. His direct and transparent communication style builds public trust. For example, during Navratri, he encouraged people to celebrate and enjoy Garba, showing that he values religious and cultural traditions as well.

A Blend of Toughness and Sensitivity

A successful Home Minister is recognized by both their firmness and their empathy towards the public. Harsh Sanghavi has tried to balance these qualities. By adopting a zero-tolerance policy against crime, he has sent a clear message that lawbreakers will not be spared. At the same time, he is working to make the police force more people-friendly. He also promotes youth involvement in employment and sports, strengthening the foundation of society.

Steadfast Amidst Challenges and Criticism

No political leader is free from criticism. Harsh Sanghavi is no exception. Some of his decisions—such as the use of police force or issues in criminal investigations—have faced questions. Yet, despite the criticism, he remains focused on his goal. Ensuring the safety and peace of Gujarat’s citizens remains the government’s top priority. He has worked to modernize the police department, improve training, and maintain direct communication with the public.

Harsh Sanghavi’s journey as a minister is still ongoing, and many challenges lie ahead. Maintaining law and order is a continuous process. However, his energy, fresh ideas, and dedication to the people suggest that he can become a strong pillar for Gujarat’s future generations. We hope that his contribution continues to make the state safer and more prosperous.

(The author is a renowned entrepreneur and social worker. The views expressed in the article are their personal opinions.)