Bhupat Bhayani, the MLA representing Visavadar assembly seat in Saurashtra, tendered his resignation today, citing a lack of alignment between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his nationalist ideals. He said he would consult his constituents and workers before making a decision about his next move, but his prior association with the BJP and his comment “I was a worker of the BJP earlier” fueled speculation about an imminent return to the saffron party.
Bhayani’s resignation comes as a blow to AAP, which had made significant inroads in Gujarat during the 2022 Assembly elections. However, State President Isudan Gadhvi dismissed concerns of a mass exodus, asserting that four other AAP MLAs remain firmly committed to the party.
Bhayani, a popular figure in Visavadar, is known for his community service initiatives. During the pandemic, he established a COVID center in Bhensan and facilitated the marriages of underprivileged daughters. He has also been instrumental in community garden projects, rural development programs, and championing the rights of workers and farmers.
A former BJP member, Bhayani, won elections for District Panchayat and Taluka Panchayat twice under the party banner. He served as Vice President of the Junagadh District BJP before switching allegiances to the AAP in 2020. His association with the AAP led to his suspension from the post of Sarpanch in Bhensan village.
Bhayani’s resignation necessitates a by-election in Visavadar, likely to be held within the next six months, possibly coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. The constituency has a history of electing non-BJP MLAs, including Harshad Ribadiya, who later joined the BJP but lost to Bhayani in 2022. With its rural population and strong Leuva Patidar presence, Visavadar remains a key battleground for political parties.
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