Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia secured a decisive victory in the Visavadar Assembly by-election in Gujarat, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Kirit Patel by over 17,000 votes.
The Election Commission of India reported that Italia polled 75,942 votes, while Patel garnered 58,388. Congress candidate Nitin Ranpariya trailed with just 5,501 votes.
The bypoll, triggered by the resignation of sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani, saw a triangular battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress. Italia emerged as the frontrunner early in the counting process and maintained a strong lead throughout the day.
Gopal Italia declares victory for ‘Clean Politics’
Speaking after the win, Italia credited the people of Visavadar for the mandate.
“This victory belongs to the people. They voted for clean politics, local development, and a strong alternative. This is just the beginning,” he said.
Italia’s triumph marks AAP’s first win in Visavadar, part of Gujarat’s Junagadh district.
The seat, traditionally contested between Congress and the BJP, now reflects AAP’s growing grassroots presence in the Saurashtra region.
A morale boost for AAP ahead of 2027 elections
Political observers view Italia’s win as a significant boost for AAP as it prepares for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections.
Analysts suggest the result could signal a shift in voter sentiment, especially among rural and young voters, who are increasingly drawn to AAP’s promises of employment, education reform, and anti-corruption measures.
The BJP conceded defeat, attributing the loss to local factors.
Party leaders acknowledged the need to introspect and recalibrate their regional strategy.
Gopal Italia’s activism-fueled rise in Gujarat politics
Gopal Italia rose to public attention in 2017 when, as a government employee, he challenged Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel over violations of Gujarat’s liquor prohibition law.
He later hurled a shoe at then Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja, shouting ‘down with corruption’, which led to his suspension and resignation.
Between 2018 and 2020, Italia actively participated in the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), where he conducted ‘Kayda Katha’ sessions to raise awareness about constitutional rights.
Italia joined AAP in June 2020 as the party’s Gujarat Vice President.
He became the state president in December that year and led AAP’s successful entry into Gujarat’s political arena during the 2021 local body elections, where the party won 27 seats in Surat and one in Gandhinagar.
Under his leadership, AAP contested the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, securing nearly 13% of the vote share and winning five Assembly seats.
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