“Break Even One MLA And Win, If You Can”: Gopal Italia Challenges C.R. Patil After Visavadar Victory

Surat: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured a major victory in Gujarat’s Visavadar by-election, with Gopal Italia winning the seat. Following the result, Italia received a grand welcome in Surat, where thousands of AAP workers and supporters gathered to celebrate. From Kamrej to Varachha and Ved Road to Mota Varachha, his supporters lined the streets and participated in a victory rally. A large gathering was also held at the Sarthana Community Hall, where Italia addressed the crowd and made headlines with his fiery speech.

At the center of his speech was a direct and bold challenge to Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil. Italia accused Patil of repeatedly trying to poach opposition MLAs and issued a public dare: “C.R. Patil always goes around thinking about which MLA to break next. Today, I challenge him openly, try breaking just one of our MLAs now, hold a by-election there, and win it if you can.” His challenge sparked loud applause and chants of support from the crowd.

Italia didn’t stop there. He went on to attack the BJP government for what he called its misuse of power and decay in political ethics. “This government has crossed all limits. Politics in Gujarat has fallen to its lowest point under BJP. Gandhi and Sardar Patel gave Gujarat a proud identity, and today that same Gujarat is being ruled by bootleggers and criminals. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.

“Even if no one else speaks up, Aam Aadmi Party will. We will speak, we will fight, and we will bring governance back to the people,” Italia declared. He said that their win in Visavadar was not just an electoral victory, but a moral one. “On one side stood the entire BJP machinery, their ministers, MLAs, chairpersons, bootleggers, mafias, and criminals. On the other side stood the strength and willpower of common citizens. And in that battle, the people won.”

Addressing recent flooding in Surat, Italia expressed frustration over the government’s inability to manage even basic infrastructure. “We have the technology to go to the Moon and Mars, but we can’t drain floodwater in Surat? What kind of leadership is this?” he asked. He pointed to floods in Vadodara, Junagadh, and Ankleshwar as repeated failures of governance, calling them “BJP-made disasters” caused by corruption and neglect.

Italia’s arrival in Surat was met with huge enthusiasm. AAP corporators from the Surat Municipal Corporation, state leaders, local office-bearers, and hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome him. After the victory rally, a special event was held to honor Italia and thank the people of Visavadar for their support.

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