Bypoll Results Reflect Diverse Political Trends Across India; Sisodia Declares “Semi-Final Victory”
The results of the latest by-elections in Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala, and West Bengal have painted a diverse political landscape ahead of the next general and assembly elections. While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made significant inroads in Punjab and Gujarat, Congress solidified its base in Kerala, and Trinamool Congress (TMC) continued to dominate West Bengal. The BJP saw mixed results—holding on to some rural bastions but losing critical urban ground to emerging players. Declaring the outcome a “semi-final victory,” AAP leader Manish Sisodia signaled his party’s ambition to become a national force by 2027.
AAP’s Strong Show in Punjab and Gujarat: Sisodia Cheers ‘Semi-Final Victory’
In Punjab, AAP retained the Ludhiana West seat, where its candidate Sanjeev Arora defeated Congress’s Bharat Bhushan Ashu with a margin of over 10,000 votes. The victory came despite low voter turnout (just above 51%) but indicates AAP’s continued influence in Punjab’s urban centers. This win serves as a validation of AAP’s performance in governance since its sweeping victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections.
In Gujarat, AAP’s rise was more symbolic. Gopal Italia, a prominent Patidar face and youth leader, defeated the BJP in Visavadar, securing a strong victory margin of over 17,000 votes. Italia’s win is particularly notable because Visavadar had previously seen an AAP defector switch sides to BJP, turning the race into a credibility battle. Italia’s win firmly reestablishes AAP’s credibility and growing presence in BJP-dominated Gujarat.
Reacting to the results, Manish Sisodia said:
“This is a semi-final victory. The people have acknowledged AAP’s honest politics and rejected the politics of hate and corruption. We are ready for the final.”
VIDEO | AAP leader Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) says, "This is very good news for Punjab and Gujarat, as AAP has won. In Punjab, Sanjeev Arora has won the Ludhiana West bypoll, and the people have shown that they are very happy with the work done by the Mann-led Punjab government.… pic.twitter.com/SHjLomt49Q
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 23, 2025
His statement reflects AAP’s growing aspirations to challenge both national parties on a broader scale, especially in urban constituencies.
Congress Holds Ground in Kerala, TMC Dominates Bengal
In Kerala’s Nilambur seat, vacated by independent MLA PV Anwar, the Congress-backed UDF candidate reclaimed the constituency. The win was seen as a reaffirmation of Congress’s organizational strength in the southern state, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) holds government. A turnout of over 70% further confirmed voter engagement and the seriousness of the contest.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal’s Kaliganj seat, Trinamool Congress (TMC) retained its hold, with candidate Alifa Ahmed comfortably defeating BJP and Left rivals. The bypoll result confirmed TMC’s continued dominance, especially among minority and rural voters. Despite ongoing corruption allegations and factionalism, Mamata Banerjee’s party remains unshaken in its strongholds.
