Kejriwal’s Bold Challenge in Visavadar: “Break Gopal Italia, or I’ll Quit Politics!”
The political temperature in Gujarat’s Visavadar constituency is soaring as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by its firebrand leader Arvind Kejriwal, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the run-up to the crucial by-election. On May 31, 2025, AAP staged a grand roadshow in Visavadar, showcasing its growing ambition to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state. The event saw the participation of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Delhi Minister Atishi, as they rallied support for their candidate, Gopal Italia.
A Show of Strength in BJP’s Stronghold
The roadshow was a bold statement of intent by AAP to make inroads into Gujarat, a state long considered a BJP bastion. With Gopal Italia as its candidate, AAP is pulling out all stops to sway voters in the Visavadar by-election, scheduled for June 19, 2025, with vote counting set for June 23. The nomination process is underway, with June 2 as the deadline for filing, scrutiny on June 3, and withdrawals permitted until June 5.
Addressing a charged crowd, Kejriwal took aim at both the BJP and Congress, accusing them of political opportunism. “For 18 years, the people of Visavadar have kept the BJP at bay. You gave Congress a chance before; now, it’s time to give AAP a chance,” he urged. His remarks underscored AAP’s narrative of offering a fresh, honest alternative to the established political giants.
Kejriwal’s Daring Challenge to BJP
In a dramatic moment, Kejriwal issued a direct challenge to the BJP, accusing them of luring AAP and Congress legislators to defect. Pointing to Gopal Italia, he declared, “I challenge the BJP to break Gopal Italia. If you succeed, Arvind Kejriwal will leave politics!” The crowd erupted, and Italia, smiling confidently, dismissed any possibility of switching sides, reinforcing his loyalty to AAP.
Kejriwal’s bold statement was a calculated move to project strength and rally support around Italia, a prominent figure in Gujarat’s political landscape. It also served to highlight AAP’s claim of integrity in contrast to what Kejriwal called the BJP’s “politics of defection.”
Congress in the Crosshairs
Not sparing the Congress, Kejriwal labeled it a “number one deceitful party,” signaling AAP’s intent to position itself as the primary alternative to the BJP in Gujarat. This sharp rhetoric reflects AAP’s strategy to carve out a distinct space in the state’s polarized political arena, where the BJP and Congress have long dominated.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Minister Atishi echoed Kejriwal’s sentiments, appealing to voters to back AAP’s vision of “honest politics.” Mann emphasized the party’s track record in governance, citing Punjab and Delhi as models, while Atishi highlighted AAP’s commitment to education, healthcare, and transparency.
High Stakes in Visavadar
The Visavadar by-election is shaping up to be a fierce contest, with the BJP, Congress, and AAP all staking claims to victory. For AAP, a win here could signal a significant shift in Gujarat’s political landscape, challenging the BJP’s iron grip and establishing AAP as a formidable third force. The BJP, meanwhile, is determined to maintain its dominance, while Congress aims to reclaim lost ground.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Visavadar. Will Kejriwal’s bold challenge galvanize voters, or will the BJP’s organizational might prevail? With just weeks to go, the battle for Visavadar promises to be a defining moment in Gujarat’s political journey.
