‘People of Visavadar have voted for clean politics, local development, and a strong alternative. This is just the beginning,’ says AAP’s Gopal Italia
NEW DELHI — The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was made to bite the dust in the Gujarat’s Visavadar assembly by-poll as anti-corruption crusader, Gopal Italia of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), clinched a decisive victory at the hustings on Monday. He defeated BJP’s Kirit Patel by 17,554 votes after 21 rounds of counting. Italia polled 75,942 votes while Patel trailed with 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.
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 by-poll, necessitated by the resignation of sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani, saw a tough contest, but Italia maintained a comfortable lead throughout, winning the seat with flying colours. Monday’s victory marks Italia’s debut as a legislator.
Born in Botad, Gujarat, Gopal Italia began his career as a police officer before emerging as a vocal social activist. Italia first garnered public attention in 2017 when, as a government employee, he called up then Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel to complain about alcohol prohibition violations. The video of the phone call went viral, earning him widespread recognition for his bold anti-corruption stance.
Italia became widely known in January 2017, when he, still a government employee, publicly challenged Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel over alleged violations of the state’s liquor prohibition. Shortly after, he hurled a shoe at Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja, shouting “down with corruption” — a dramatic act that led to his suspension and resignation.
Between 2018 and 2020, Italia was associated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), organising “Kayda Katha” public sessions to educate citizens on constitutional rights and laws.
He joined the AAP in June 2020 as Gujarat Vice President, rose to become state president by December 2020, and held that post until January 2023. Under his leadership, AAP made its electoral debut in the February 2021 local body polls, winning 27 seats in Surat and one in Gandhinagar. In the 2022 state elections, the party secured nearly 13 per cent of the vote and earned five assembly seats.
The Visavadar result is being seen as a morale booster for AAP as it gears up for the 2027 state elections. Political analysts say this by-poll 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.
The BJP conceded defeat, but maintained that it remains the dominant force in Gujarat and attributed the loss to local factors. Senior leaders said the party would introspect and recalibrate its approach in the region.
Visavadar, part of the Junagadh district, is a politically significant seat with a strong agrarian voter base. The seat had swung between Congress and the BJP in past elections, but this is the first time it has gone to AAP, signalling the party’s growing grassroots presence. — With inputs from IANS
