What Were the Voter Turnout Rates in Gujarat's By-Polls?

Ahmedabad, June 19 (NationPress) The voting process for the significant by-elections in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi Assembly constituencies concluded smoothly on Thursday, with both constituencies recording over 54 percent voter turnout, as reported by the Election Commission of India.

Visavadar achieved a turnout of 54.61 percent, while Kadi followed with a turnout of 54.49 percent. The final numbers might see a minor increase as data continues to be gathered.

Polling started at 7 AM and continued without interruption until 6 PM across 294 booths in each constituency. The voting process was largely free of incidents, with the exception of a brief altercation between BJP and AAP workers in Viraval village, which the police quickly resolved.

This by-election featured a triangular contest among BJP, Congress, and AAP in both constituencies. In Visavadar (Junagadh district), the election was prompted by the resignation of sitting AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who joined the BJP.

The BJP nominated Kirit Patel as its candidate, while Congress has put forward Nitin Ranpariya, and AAP is represented by Gopal Italia.

The Kadi seat, reserved for Scheduled Castes, became vacant following the passing of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki. BJP’s Rajendra Chavda is contesting against Congress’s Ramesh Chavda and AAP’s Jagdish Chavda—three candidates sharing the same surname but representing different parties.

To maximize voter turnout, authorities declared a public holiday in both constituencies. The counting of votes is set for June 23.

Visavadar, in Gujarat's Junagadh district, is predominantly agrarian, home to a mix of Patidar, Koli, and OBC communities. The area has a rich political history in Gujarat, previously represented by former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel.

Historically a BJP stronghold, Visavadar experienced a political shift in 2022 when AAP's Bhupendra Bhayani won the seat, only to resign later and join the BJP, leading to the current by-election.

This constituency is closely observed due to its symbolic significance and changing loyalties, particularly among rural voters and small-scale farmers. Kadi, part of Mehsana district, is an SC-reserved seat with a considerable Scheduled Caste population, alongside OBC and general category voters.

This constituency has served as a BJP fortress for several terms, reflecting the party's robust organizational presence in northern Gujarat.

The demise of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki led to this bypoll, which is viewed as a gauge of the BJP's ongoing influence among Dalit voters amidst challenges from Congress and AAP.

Urban areas, industrial workers, and rural communities all contribute to shaping Kadi’s electoral results, making it a politically diverse and competitive constituency.