Gopal Italia Leads in Visavadar Bypoll: AAP Makes Strides Against BJP

AAP candidate Gopal Italia took a decisive lead over his rivals in the crucial Visavadar bypoll, a seat where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has struggled since 2007. With counting nearing conclusion, Italia led by 14,073 votes, signaling a potential victory for the AAP in a competitive region.

In contrast, the BJP is set to retain its hold on the Kadi seat, as Rajendra Chavda leads by a substantial margin of 35,608 votes over Congress's Ramesh Chavda. The bypoll, conducted on June 19, recorded a voter turnout of 57.90% in Kadi and 56.89% in Visavadar, according to electoral officials.

These elections were held to fill vacancies left by previous BJP and AAP legislators. In Gujarat's 182-member assembly, the BJP continues to maintain dominance with 161 seats, further underscoring the state's dynamic political landscape as parties vie for influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)