Ahmedabad: After clinching victory in the Visavadar by-election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is riding high on enthusiasm. The party launched its statewide membership campaign in Ahmedabad on Tuesday in the presence of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. However, the absence of Gariadhar MLA Sudhir Vaghani was conspicuous. He was not present at the event, nor was his image included on party hoardings displayed at the venue—raising fresh questions about growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks.

His absence follows the suspension of Botad MLA Umesh Makwana six days ago, fueling further speculation of internal discord.

The party, which won five seats in the 2022 Assembly elections, retained the Visavadar seat in the recent bypoll after Bhupat Bhayani resigned. AAP candidate Gopal Italia secured victory, reinforcing the party’s presence in Saurashtra. Speaking at the event, AAP leader Gopal Rai described Visavadar’s win as a “quarter-final” and said the party now aims to win the “semi-final” in upcoming local body elections and the “final” in the 2027 Assembly elections.

As part of the new drive, each party worker will visit 100 households to connect citizens with AAP. The campaign aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots organization across Gujarat.

Sudhir Vaghani could not be reached for comment on his absence. A first-time MLA, Vaghani had defeated six-term BJP MLA Keshubhai Nakrani in Gariadhar by a margin of 4,819 votes in the 2022 elections.