In a significant reshaping of Gujarat’s political landscape, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed a major victory in the Visavadar assembly by‑election on June 23, 2025, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held firm in the Kadi constituency. The results mark a milestone for AAP and raise fresh questions about Congress’s dwindling influence in the state.
Visavadar – AAP Upsets BJP
AAP’s Gopal Italia defeated BJP’s Kirit Patel by a commanding margin of over 17,000 votes—securing 75,942 to Patel’s 58,388—after a closely watched 21-round count in Junagadh district .The seat fell vacant when former AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani switched to BJP in December 2023 .
Kadi – BJP Maintains Grip
In contrast, the BJP retained the reserved SC‑seat of Kadi, with Rajendra Chavda defeating Congress’s Ramesh Chavda by nearly 39,500 votes . The seat was earlier vacated by the passing of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki in February 2025 .
Voter Turnout & Voting Environment
Polling took place peacefully on June 19, with Visavadar recording roughly 54% voter turnout by 5 pm, close to the 56.6% registered in the 2022 polls. A unique feature was the introduction of “green booths”—poll stations decorated with mango and asopalav leaves, offering saplings to promote environmental awareness—and prohibition on mobile phones inside polling booths .
Broader Political Ramifications
This split result highlights shifting dynamics in Gujarat politics. While BJP consolidates its hold in traditional strongholds like Kadi, AAP’s victory in Visavadar—once considered a BJP bastion—is seen as a major breakthrough . Analysts interpret it as indicative of growing grassroots dissatisfaction and AAP’s ability to connect with local issues .
Congress in Crisis
The poor performance of Congress—faring poorly in both Visavadar and Kadi—has triggered fallout within the party. Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil has resigned from his post, acknowledging the need for urgent organizational overhaul before the next major election .
Why This Matters
AAP’s Rise: Winning in Visavadar shows AAP isn’t just confined to Delhi or Punjab—it’s making inroads in Gujarat.
Congress’s Decline: With negligible footprints in both seats, Congress faces intensified pressure to reinvent itself.
BJP’s Resilience: Though they lost one seat, BJP’s strong performance in Kadi reaffirms their continued dominance in the state.
