- विज्ञापन -
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia secured a victory in the Visavadar Assembly by-election in Gujarat, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kirit Patel by a margin of over 17,000 votes. The bypoll, necessitated by the resignation of sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani, witnessed a triangular contest among AAP, BJP and Congress.
However, it was Italia — AAP’s Gujarat face and former state president — who emerged as the clear frontrunner early in the counting process and maintained a steady lead throughout the day.
According to the Election Commission of India, Italia polled 75,942 votes, while Kirit Patel secured 58,388 votes. The Congress candidate, Nitin Ranpariya, got only 5,501 votes, trailing far behind, reflecting the party’s continued struggle in Gujarat’s changing political landscape.
Victory belongs to the people of Visavadar, says Gopal
Speaking after his win, Italia said, “This victory belongs to the people of Visavadar. They have voted for clean politics, local development, and a strong alternative. This is just the beginning.” Italia’s win marks a breakthrough for AAP in Saurashtra, a region traditionally dominated by the BJP and Congress.
The result is being seen as a morale booster for AAP as it gears up for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections. Political analysts say this bypoll could indicate a shift in voter sentiment, especially among rural and youth voters, many of whom were seen gravitating towards AAP’s promises of employment, education reform, and anti-corruption measures.
