In a dramatic political showdown, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a decisive victory in Gujarat’s Visavadar bypoll, with former state president Gopal Italia defeating BJP’s Kirit Patel by a staggering 17,554 votes. The results, declared on June 23, 2025, mark a significant moment for AAP in Gujarat, reinforcing its growing influence in a state long dominated by the BJP.
A David vs. Goliath Battle: How Gopal Italia Defied the Odds
Visavadar, a rural constituency in Junagadh district, has been a political battleground for years. The seat fell vacant after former AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani defected to the BJP, forcing a by-election. Many expected the BJP to reclaim the seat, but Gopal Italia, a firebrand leader with a history of activism, turned the tables.
Italia secured 75,942 votes (53.3%), while BJP’s Kirit Patel managed 58,388 (41%). The Congress, once a formidable force, collapsed to a mere 5,501 votes (3.9%), highlighting its declining relevance in Gujarat.
This victory is particularly sweet for AAP, as it not only retained the seat but also increased its vote share from 45.18% in 2022 to 51.04% now. The result sends a clear message: AAP is emerging as the principal opposition to the BJP in Gujarat, leaving the Congress in the dust.
The Man Behind the Victory: Who is Gopal Italia?
Gopal Italia’s journey from a police constable to an MLA-elect is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Botad, Gujarat, in 1989, Italia’s early struggles shaped his political consciousness.
- From Constable to Advocate-Activist: After joining the Gujarat Police in 2013, Italia grew disillusioned with systemic corruption. His bold protest against then-Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja—where he famously threw a shoe at him—led to his suspension and eventual resignation. He channeled this rebellion into law, becoming an advocate who fought for Patidar rights in courtrooms before taking the battle to politics.
- Patidar Agitation Leader: Italia became a prominent face of the Patidar reservation movement, aligning with Hardik Patel before joining AAP in 2020.
- Legal Battles & Controversies: His outspoken nature has often landed him in trouble, including a detention by Delhi Police in 2022 for remarks against PM Modi. Yet, his grassroots connect remained unshaken.
Why Did BJP Lose Visavadar Again?
Despite its formidable machinery, the BJP has now lost Visavadar three times in a row (2017, 2022, and now 2025). Key factors behind its defeat:
- Farmers’ Anger: Visavadar’s agrarian community, especially Patidars, were frustrated over MSP delays, fertilizer shortages, and Gir Eco-Zone restrictions that hampered development.
- Anti-Defection Sentiment: The BJP’s strategy of poaching AAP MLAs backfired, as voters saw it as opportunistic politics.
- Gopal Italia’s Grassroots Campaign: Unlike the BJP’s high-profile rallies, Italia focused on door-to-door outreach, leveraging his Patidar roots and activist credibility.
Congress’s Downfall & Shaktisinh Gohil’s Resignation
The Congress’s dismal performance in both Visavadar and Kadi forced Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil to resign. The party’s vote share in Visavadar plummeted from 11.8% in 2022 to just 3.7%, a humiliating collapse. Former LoP Paresh Dhanani even mocked the party, saying, “The people of Visavadar have, in a very civil way, rejected the Congress” .
What This Means for Gujarat’s Political Future
- AAP’s Rise as BJP’s Main Challenger: With five MLAs now, AAP is positioning itself as the real alternative to the BJP, especially in Saurashtra.
- Congress’s Existential Crisis: The party’s inability to retain even its traditional voters signals a deeper crisis in Gujarat.
Kejriwal’s Masterstroke & Road to 2027
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal hailed the victory as a “semi-final before 2027”, declaring that Gujarat is now a direct BJP vs. AAP battleground. Italia’s win also validates Kejriwal’s “Gujarat model” strategy—fielding local leaders with strong grassroots appeal rather than relying on defectors.
A New Chapter in Gujarat Politics
Gopal Italia’s triumph is more than just a bypoll win—it’s a symbol of resistance against political defections, agrarian distress, and BJP’s hegemony. As AAP celebrates, the BJP will need to recalibrate its approach in rural Gujarat. Meanwhile, the Congress faces an existential question: Can it revive itself, or is it time to cede space to AAP?
One thing is clear: Gujarat’s political landscape is shifting, and Gopal Italia is at the heart of this change.
