Ahmedabad: The Congress party in Gujarat has decided to contest the upcoming by-elections for the Visavadar and Kadi Assembly seats independently, without collaboration with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a fellow member of the INDIA bloc.
This announcement followed a crucial meeting of the Gujarat Congress’ Political Affairs Committee, which was chaired by Mukul Wasnik, the party’s national general secretary and state in-charge, in Ahmedabad. Alongside the bypoll strategy, the meeting also covered organizational issues, including the appointment of district presidents, which is expected to be completed by May 31.
Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil stated that the decision was made unanimously after reviewing historical electoral trends within the state. “Voters in Gujarat have never embraced a third front,” he noted, referencing unsuccessful attempts by leaders like Shankarsinh Vaghela and Chimanbhai Patel to create alternative coalitions that failed to gain traction.
Gohil further asserted that although AAP received 11 percent of the vote in the last election, it ultimately harmed Congress rather than benefiting the opposition in the state.
The meeting included significant participation from prominent state leaders, such as Leader of the Opposition Amit Chavda, former state president Jagdish Thakor, senior leaders Siddharth Patel and Bharat Singh Solanki, and MLAs Jignesh Mevani and Shailesh Parmar.
Gohil emphasized that Congress remains the principal opposition party in Gujarat and that contesting these by-elections under its own symbol is an important move to strengthen its presence. “This decision is in the best interest of the Gujarati people. We are determined to win these seats independently, and I urge voters to support Congress now and again in 2027 to establish a robust alternative government,” he stated.
Previously, the Aam Aadmi Party’s emergence in Gujarat in 2022, which resulted in securing five seats, had further diminished Congress’ vote share, particularly in urban areas and among younger demographics. Challenges such as internal factionalism, a weak grassroots organization, and a lack of charismatic local leaders have compounded the party’s difficulties.
Nevertheless, Congress continues to maintain influence in specific rural areas and among traditional support groups, including Dalits, tribals, and segments of the OBC community. The party is now prioritizing efforts to rebuild its cadre and enhance its organizational framework in preparation for the 2027 Assembly elections.