Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday issued a direct challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a high-energy roadshow ahead of the upcoming Visavadar assembly by-election in Gujarat’s Junagadh district.
Joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi, Kejriwal led a show of strength in Visavadar — a constituency traditionally seen as a BJP bastion. AAP has fielded senior leader and former Gujarat party president Gopal Italia as its candidate in the bypoll set for 19 June.
Speaking to a large crowd, Kejriwal accused the BJP of engaging in unethical politics by poaching lawmakers. He pointed out that the seat fell vacant after AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned in December 2023 and later joined the BJP. Bhayani had won the seat in the 2022 assembly elections.
“The BJP couldn’t win Visavadar, so they broke our MLA. Before that, they did the same with the Congress MLA. I appeal to the people — give a strong mandate to AAP and it will be a tight slap on the BJP’s face,” Kejriwal said.
He also took aim at the Congress, branding it “the number one fraudulent party” and called on voters to reject both the BJP and Congress. “For 18 years, BJP was kept out of Visavadar. People gave Congress a chance. Now, give AAP a chance,” he added.
Kejriwal further challenged the BJP to try and “break” AAP candidate Gopal Italia, vowing to quit politics if they succeeded. Italia responded confidently, “Sir, nothing like that.”
Punjab CM Mann and Delhi Minister Atishi echoed Kejriwal’s appeal, highlighting AAP’s commitment to “honest politics” and development-led governance. AAP leaders campaigned alongside state unit president Isudan Gadhvi before Italia filed his nomination.
The BJP and Congress have yet to announce their candidates for the Visavadar and Kadi bypolls. The last date to file nominations is 2 June, followed by scrutiny on 3 June and withdrawal of nominations on 5 June. Counting of votes will take place on 23 June.
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