Shockwaves in Gujarat: AAP Stuns BJP in Visavadar By-Election

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – In a stunning upset that has sent ripples through Gujarat’s political landscape, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today wrested the Visavadar assembly seat from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a closely watched by-election. While the BJP’s Rajendra Chavda comfortably secured the Kadi seat, AAP’s Gopal Italia’s victory in Visavadar has sparked intense debate, challenging the narrative of the ruling party’s seemingly unshakeable dominance in the state, despite its record-breaking majority.

Gopal Italia, a prominent AAP leader, clinched the Visavadar seat with a commanding margin of 17,581 votes, securing 75,906 votes against BJP’s Kirit Patel, who garnered 58,325 votes. Congress candidate Nitin Ranpariya was a distant third with just 5,491 votes. Italia’s impressive 51% vote share in a BJP-dominated state has left political analysts scrambling to understand the undercurrents at play.

The Visavadar outcome represents a significant blow to the BJP, which not only lost the assembly seat but also faced setbacks in district panchayat seats of Dungarpur, Vadal, and Chuda. Sources indicate that widespread discontent among the Ahir community, coupled with the displeasure of former Congress leader and ex-BJP minister Jawahar Chavda, played a crucial role in tilting the scales against the saffron party. This combined resentment is estimated to have cost the BJP over 14,000 votes, a clear indicator of localized issues overriding broader state narratives.

The by-election in Visavadar was necessitated by the resignation of AAP’s Bhupat Bhayani, who had won the seat in the last assembly elections before defecting to the BJP. The ensuing political drama, including a High Court intervention, set the stage for a high-stakes contest. The BJP, confident in its statewide majority, nominated cooperative leader Kirit Patel. However, AAP, quick to capitalize on the vacuum, had already announced Gopal Italia as its candidate even before the official election notification, signalling their determined intent to reclaim the seat. The campaign was marked by sharp exchanges and accusations between the two parties, with the Congress largely absent from the political discourse.

On AAP winning the Gujarat and Punjab by-elections, AAP leader Manish Sisodia says, “I congratulate the workers in Gujarat as well as Punjab. The victory in Gujarat is important for the party and the people of Gujarat. I am sure Gopal Italia is a strong voice for the people of Gujarat, and he will raise their issues, which have not been heard for decades. Similarly, Punjab’s victory is also very important because not only has an MLA like Sanjeev Arora reached the Vidhan Sabha, but it is also a public endorsement of the three years of work and achievements of Bhagwant Mann’s government. This is a matter of great happiness for all of us”

AAP’s Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava lauded Italia’s victory as a triumph for the entire state. “Many thanks to the people of Visavadar,” Vasava stated, his voice ringing with triumph. “This victory is the victory of the entire Gujarat. We are happy that the people of Visavadar voted keeping in mind the reality instead of dwelling on fantasy and dreams.”

Vasava further emphasized the message sent by the Visavadar electorate: “The victory of AAP leader Gopal Italia shows that the people have rejected the false talk of building roads like Paris. The people of Visavadar have put their trust in us.” He extended his congratulations, adding, “They voted honestly without being tempted by greed. Thank you very much to the people of Visavadar. We will live up to the trust placed in them and we will play the role of a strong opposition in the assembly.”