Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Italia secured a victory in the Visavadar Assembly by-election in Gujarat, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kirit Patel by a margin of over 17,000 votes.
The bypoll, necessitated by the resignation of sitting MLA Bhupat Bhayani, witnessed a triangular contest among AAP, BJP and Congress.
However, it was Italia -- AAP’s Gujarat face and former state president -- who emerged as the clear frontrunner early in the counting process and maintained a steady lead throughout the day.
According to the Election Commission of India, Italia polled 75,942 votes, while Kirit Patel secured 58,388 votes. The Congress candidate, Nitin Ranpariya, got only 5,501 votes, trailing far behind, reflecting the party's continued struggle in Gujarat’s changing political landscape.
Speaking after his win, Italia said, “This victory belongs to the people of Visavadar. They have voted for clean politics, local development, and a strong alternative. This is just the beginning.” Italia’s win marks a breakthrough for AAP in Saurashtra, a region traditionally dominated by the BJP and Congress.
But who is Gopal Italia?
Gopalbhai Gordhanbhai Italia (born 21 July 1989), commonly known as Gopal Italia is a Gujarati Indian politician, social activist. The 2025-by-elections saw him be elected as a member of the Visavadar of Gujarat Legislative Assembly. He is an ex-policeman and a Patidar reservation agitation leader. Between December 2020 and January 2023, he became the Convener (State president) of Aam Aadmi Party in Gujarat.
Italia was born on 21 July 1989 in Botad Gujarat, India.
Since January 2013, Italia served as a constable in the police station, Madhupura Police Station in the Ahmedabad Police till 2016. He was subsequently in 2014 appointed Revenue Clerk stationed at the office of Dhandhuka taluka Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Ahmedabad Collectorate. He is also fighting to establish the rights of the unemployed jobless youths and also the rights of people.
In 2017, Italia was a government worker. His grievance to the then deputy chief minister Nitin Patel over the open flouting of the alcohol prohibition policy became a hit on the social media. He had impersonated himself as a policeman in the event and was charged with Section 120 of the Indian Penal Code for this activity. In March 2017, he was suspended on allegations of throwing a shoe at Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja. Afterwards In 2017, he left his governmental job. Italia or others also had 10 days in prison where a case of their protest against a BJP leader occurred.
Italia became a part of Gujarat state unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in June 2020. On 12 December 2020, he was appointed the State President.