Did AAP Triumph in Gujarat's Visavadar Assembly Bypoll?

Junagadh, June 23 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia has emerged victorious in the Visavadar Assembly by-election in Gujarat, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kirit Patel by a margin exceeding 17,000 votes.

This bypoll was triggered by the resignation of the sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani and featured a triangular contest among AAP, BJP, and Congress.

Italia, who is AAP’s Gujarat face and a former state president, took an early lead during the counting process and consistently maintained it throughout the day.

As per the Election Commission of India, Italia garnered 75,942 votes, while Kirit Patel received 58,388 votes. The Congress candidate, Nitin Ranpariya, managed just 5,501 votes, highlighting the party's ongoing challenges in Gujarat’s evolving political landscape.

After his win, Italia stated, “This victory is for the people of Visavadar. They have chosen clean politics, local development, and a robust alternative. This is merely the beginning.” Italia’s success signifies a breakthrough for AAP in Saurashtra, a region historically dominated by BJP and Congress.

The outcome is perceived as a morale booster for AAP as it prepares for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections. Political analysts suggest this bypoll may signal a shift in voter sentiment, especially among rural and youth voters, many of whom are increasingly attracted to AAP’s pledges of employment, education reform, and anti-corruption measures.

While conceding defeat, the BJP asserted its continued dominance in Gujarat, attributing the loss to local issues. Senior leaders indicated the party would reflect and adjust its strategy in the area. Visavadar, part of the Junagadh district, is an electorally significant seat with a substantial agrarian voter base.

The seat has oscillated between Congress and BJP in previous elections, but this marks the first time it has gone to AAP, indicating the party’s increasing grassroots presence.

Italia gained prominence in January 2017 when he, as a government employee, publicly confronted Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel over alleged violations of the state’s liquor prohibition. Shortly thereafter, he threw a shoe at Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja, shouting “down with corruption,” a dramatic act that resulted in his suspension and resignation.

From 2018 to 2020, Italia was linked with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), organizing “Kayda Katha” public forums to educate citizens about constitutional rights and laws.

He joined AAP in June 2020 as Gujarat Vice President, quickly rising to state president by December 2020, a position he held until January 2023. Under his leadership, AAP made its electoral debut in the February 2021 local body elections, winning 27 seats in Surat and one in Gandhinagar. In the 2022 state elections, the party secured nearly 13 percent of the vote and attained five Assembly seats.