Voting Commences for By-Elections in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi Constituencies

Polling has commenced in Gujarat for the by-elections in Visavadar and Kadi, with candidates from BJP, Congress, and AAP vying for victory. The elections are crucial as they reflect the political dynamics in the state, especially with the BJP's historical challenges in these constituencies. The counting of votes is set for June 23, and the outcome could influence future political strategies in Gujarat.
 | 
Voting Commences for By-Elections in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi Constituencies

Voting Begins in Gujarat

Polling for the by-elections in the Visavadar and Kadi assembly seats in Gujarat commenced on Thursday morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have all fielded candidates for these constituencies.


Election officials reported that voting started at 7 AM and will conclude at 6 PM. The Chief Electoral Officer's office in Gujarat announced that a public holiday has been declared in both constituencies for the voting process.


Voters are casting their ballots using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 294 polling stations in each constituency. In the 2022 assembly elections, AAP candidate Bhupendra Bhayani defeated BJP's Harshad Ribadiya by a margin of 7,063 votes. Ribadiya was previously a member of Congress.


The seat became vacant after Bhayani resigned in December 2023 to join the BJP. For the Visavadar by-election, the BJP has nominated Kirit Patel, while Congress has put forward Nitin Ranpariya.


Gopal Italia, the former president of AAP's Gujarat unit, is also contesting in this election. Despite the BJP's near-total dominance in the state, they have not won this seat since 2007. Party leaders are optimistic about securing a victory this time.


The Kadi seat in Mehsana district is reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and has been vacant since the passing of BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki on February 4.


The BJP has nominated Rajendra Chavda for Kadi, while Congress has selected former MLA Ramesh Chavda, who won this seat in 2012 but lost to BJP's Karsanbhai Solanki in 2017. Similar to Visavadar, Kadi will also witness a triangular contest.


In this election, AAP has fielded Jagdish Chavda. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23. In Gujarat's 182-member assembly, the BJP holds 161 seats, Congress has 12, and AAP has four. The Samajwadi Party has one seat, and there are two independent MLAs.


News Hub