AAP Wins Gujarat Bypoll, Congress Takes Kerala Seat
In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has scored a breakthrough victory in Gujarat’s Visavadar assembly bypoll, while the Congress claimed a notable win in Kerala’s Nilambur constituency. The BJP managed to retain its stronghold in Kadi. These results, declared on June 23, hint at shifting voter sentiments and fresh political dynamics in multiple regions.
AAP’s Breakthrough in Gujarat
AAP candidate Gopal Italia emerged victorious in Visavadar, defeating BJP’s Kirit Patel by a margin of 17,554 votes. Italia secured 75,942 votes, while the BJP trailed with 58,388. The Congress was pushed to a distant third with just 5,501 votes.
This marks a milestone for AAP, which had struggled to establish a foothold in Gujarat. Party leaders hailed the result as a strong message from voters against established parties. AAP sees this as a springboard for its 2027 Gujarat Assembly election ambitions, positioning itself as a serious challenger to the BJP in the prime minister’s home state.
BJP Holds Ground in Kadi
The BJP retained its Kadi seat, with candidate Rajendra Chavda winning comfortably. However, the party’s loss in Visavadar has triggered introspection, especially as it came from within its traditional bastion.
Congress Upsets LDF in Kerala
In Nilambur, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath defeated the CPI(M) nominee by 11,077 votes, signaling a setback for the ruling Left Democratic Front. This win is politically significant as it marks the first mid-term bypoll loss for the LDF and reaffirms the United Democratic Front’s growing influence in the state.
The Congress, however, had little to celebrate in Gujarat, where its dismal performance in Visavadar has already led to internal turmoil. The state Congress president reportedly offered to resign following the poor showing.
National Picture from Bypolls
The bypolls were held across five seats in Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal. AAP won two seats—Visavadar and Ludhiana West—while the BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress each won one. Voter turnout varied, with Kerala recording a high participation rate above 75%.
Political Impact
For AAP, the Visavadar win is a significant psychological and strategic boost. Arvind Kejriwal and other party leaders called it a “clear message” from the people rejecting both BJP and Congress. The Congress will view the Nilambur result as a positive sign in its ongoing battle to reclaim relevance in key states. The BJP, despite losing Visavadar, maintains its grip over most of Gujarat but may see this as a wake-up call.
