Released in Patel's name, the ad has been titled — Farmers beware of robbers. Addressing farmers bringing seasonal produce to the yard, which is also famous as Asia's largest spice market, it cautions them to be on their alert while moving on highways coming from Lakhtar, Kutch, Surendranagar, Malwan, Viramgam, Becharajee, Kadi, and Radhanpur (Patan) during night.

"For quite some time, gangs have been active on these routes. They cut the sacks and loot the produce. Drivers and owners are cautioned to be careful," reads the ad.

The step has proved to be a major embarrassment to the BJP, as the Opposition Congress jumped in to capitalise on the opportunity, vehemently agreeing with Patel. While Opposition leaders took pot-shots at the government's claims of "all is well on the law and order front," the ruling party was seen ducking for cover in the Assembly.

BJP leaders, including Patel, who also heads the Unjha Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), avoided the media. However, he said his appeal came after certain robbery incidents in the last few weeks.

On the contrary, Radhanpur MLA Shankar Chaudhary, whose constituency has the highways mentioned in the ad, said he was not aware of any robberies in his constituency. He, however, added some incidents may have occurred in Unjha.