What Led to Visavadar’s Political Shift from Congress to AAP?

Ahmedabad, June 23 (NationPress) In a striking development, Visavadar, a constituency traditionally aligned with Congress, has voted for the Aam Aadmi Party’s Gopal Italia in the 2025 bypolls. This outcome signifies a significant shift in political dynamics, reflecting the decline of old affiliations and the rise of fresh political ambitions.

Italia garnered 75,942 votes, besting BJP’s Kirit Patel (58,388 votes) by a substantial margin of 17,554.

Once a stronghold for Congress in the agrarian region of Junagadh district, the party has now fallen to a disappointing third place, receiving only 5,501 votes. This marks a remarkable turn of events that few could have foreseen just ten years ago, as Visavadar has historically been considered a stronghold for Congress.

From the era of Madhavsinh Solanki’s influence in Gujarat politics to the shifts following liberalization, Congress maintained a robust presence in Saurashtra through grassroots efforts, strategic caste alliances, especially with the Patidar and Koli communities, and its reputation as the farmers' party.

During the 2017 and 2022 elections, Visavadar remained a competitive seat for Congress, even as its overall presence dwindled in Gujarat. The bypoll was prompted by the defection of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani to the BJP, which many locals viewed as a betrayal, resulting in a vacant seat and setting the stage for a high-stakes contest.

Weakened by internal conflicts and a diminishing base, Congress fielded a low-profile candidate, hoping that nostalgia and legacy would resonate with voters. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Instead of reverting to Congress, the anti-BJP sentiment coalesced around Gopal Italia, a leader characterized by credibility, conviction, and community ties.

Italia’s participation transformed the campaign landscape. His political persona, shaped by activism, anti-corruption efforts, and a notable role in the Patidar movement, provided AAP with the leadership Gujarat had been lacking. His appeal transcended caste divisions, attracting first-time voters, disenchanted Congress supporters, and farmers disillusioned with both state and central neglect.

For Congress, this defeat signifies more than just an electoral loss; it represents an existential crisis. Their vote share in Visavadar has plummeted from nearly 30 percent in 2022 to below 8 percent now. This situation extends beyond a single constituency, reflecting a widespread rejection of a party that has failed to deliver new leadership, create fresh narratives, or sustain existing ones.

The resignation of Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil in the aftermath only underscores the prevailing turmoil.

Conversely, AAP executed a highly localized campaign. While they highlighted Delhi’s governance model, the focus remained on the specific challenges facing Visavadar: dwindling water supply, inadequate healthcare facilities, agricultural struggles, and a sentiment of political neglect.

Italia’s team engaged with voters at a grassroots level, communicating in the language of the people rather than from Delhi’s perspective. The BJP’s second-place finish is noteworthy but revealing. Despite their financial resources and widespread cadre network, they failed to leverage Congress's decline. Their gamble on Bhayani’s defection backfired, and the choice of Kirit Patel didn’t inspire voters.

The voters' message was unmistakable: they will not reward opportunism or accept behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Visavadar illustrates a changing tide in Gujarat’s rural politics.

A constituency once firmly in Congress's camp has not only turned away but has also refrained from gravitating towards the BJP, a rare occurrence in Gujarat's recent political history. Instead, they have consciously opted for a third option.

For the Aam Aadmi Party, this victory transcends symbolic significance. It confirms that their model of issue-focused, personality-driven politics has the potential to resonate in Gujarat beyond urban areas.

With Gopal Italia now firmly positioned as the face of this new initiative, AAP has its first genuine grassroots figure in the state. It remains to be seen how they can capitalise on this momentum, but for now, they have what Congress once possessed in Visavadar: a foothold in the confidence of the electorate.

The verdict in Visavadar marks a pivotal moment. It narrates the tale of a constituency that once aligned with Congress, grew restless, and has now decided to invest its trust in a new venture.

The success or failure of this venture will not only impact the future of Saurashtra but could also reshape the political landscape of Gujarat itself.