In a significant political event in Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gopal Italia has won the Visavadar by-election. This victory is seen as a major setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has stirred considerable activity in Gujarat’s political landscape. The contest in Visavadar was intense, with Italia facing tough competition from BJP’s Kirit Patel and Congress’s Nitin Ranpariya.
After 21 rounds of counting, Italia secured 75,942 votes, defeating Patel by a margin of 17,554 votes, who received 58,388 votes. Congress’s Ranpariya trailed with only 5,501 votes. In contrast, the BJP claimed victory in the Kadi by-election, where Rajendra Chavda won decisively. Consequently, Congress has faced a significant loss in both the Visavadar and Kadi constituencies.
Following his victory, Gopal Italia expressed gratitude to the voters. He stated that unlike many leaders who become unreachable after winning, he would remain available even at midnight to listen to the people’s concerns. He believes that this victory marks the beginning of a change in Gujarat.
Italia is known for his aggressive political stance and has often been in the news for his controversial statements. He was a leader in the Patidar reservation movement and served as the AAP’s Gujarat convenor from December 2020 to January 2023.
During his tenure as convenor, AAP made inroads in local elections, winning 27 seats in Surat Municipal Corporation and one in Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation in February 2021. He was reappointed as AAP’s Gujarat president in 2022.
Before entering politics, Italia worked as a constable in the Gujarat Police but resigned to focus on the Patidar reservation movement. His political career gained attention in 2017 when he accused former Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja of corruption, sparking significant controversy. He currently faces 21 FIRs, as per the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission.
The by-elections were closely watched, with a voter turnout of 56.89% in Visavadar and 57.90% in Kadi. The counting process began in the morning, and as each round progressed, the excitement among party supporters grew. In Visavadar, AAP maintained a lead over BJP, while Congress struggled to gain traction.
The elections are crucial as they reflect the changing dynamics in Gujarat’s political scene. AAP’s victory in Visavadar indicates a potential shift in voter sentiment, while the BJP managed to retain its hold in Kadi. The outcomes raise questions about Congress’s relevance in the state, especially as they failed to secure any significant victories in these by-elections.
Gopal Italia’s win is being hailed as a significant achievement for AAP, as it is the first time they have won a seat in this region. As for the BJP, the consistent win in Kadi shows their stronghold in certain areas. The results of these elections will likely influence the strategies of all parties as they prepare for future elections in Gujarat.
In summary, the Visavadar by-election has set the stage for AAP’s rise in Gujarat, while the BJP continues to assert its dominance in Kadi. The performance of Congress remains a point of concern, showcasing the need for reassessment in their approach as they plan for upcoming challenges in the state’s political arena.
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