Ahmedabad: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has tapped Gopal Italia to run for the Visavadar Assembly seat in Gujarat’s upcoming by-election, scheduled for May 7. This contest aligns with the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections and is one of five by-elections triggered by vacant assembly seats across the state, including Khambhat, Vijapur, Waghodia, Porbandar, and Manavadar.
Italia, a well-known figure in AAP’s Gujarat wing, brings both prominence and polarizing history to the race. A vocal advocate on issues like governance and corruption, he previously ran in the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections and has since solidified his standing within the party. His outspoken style has made him a notable contender against the state’s long-standing political heavyweights.
Yet, Italia’s journey has not been without turbulence. His career has faced scrutiny over allegations of hate speech and internal party disputes, often spotlighted by news outlets. High-profile incidents—like being barred from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s office—have fueled his controversial reputation. Remarks perceived as targeting Hindu traditions have also stirred backlash from some community members, though AAP has stood by him, arguing his statements were misconstrued. As the Visavadar by-election nears, these flashpoints could shape voter perceptions.
The by-elections stem from a wave of resignations by sitting MLAs. Arvind Ladani (Manavadar), Chirag Patel (Khambhat), CJ Chavda (Vijapur), and Arjun Modhwadia (Porbandar) all left Congress to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela stepped down from Waghodia. These departures opened the seats now up for grabs.
Coordinated by the Election Commission of India, the by-elections will run alongside Gujarat’s single-phase Lok Sabha voting on May 7. The broader national election unfolds over seven phases, kicking off April 19 and wrapping up June 1. With its early vacancy and legal tangles, the Visavadar race stands out as a key battleground to watch.