*Gopal Italia stood up when no one else dared. Today, he needs us.* _writes Arvind Kejriwal._ =================================== When the Aam Aadmi Party was born, we made a promise. A promise that ordinary, educated, hardworking Indians - teachers, engineers, farmers, homemakers, would finally have a place in politics. A promise that politics would no longer be the playground of the powerful, but a platform for the common man. *Gopal Italia is the living proof of that promise.* Born in a humble family in Botad, Gujarat, Gopal grew up in a farming household. He studied political science at Gujarat University and became a police constable, later serving as a revenue clerk. But even as a government servant, he couldn’t stay silent when he saw injustice. He blew the whistle on the state’s liquor mafia, called out corruption within the system, and paid the price - suspension, harassment, and threats. Yet, he didn’t back down. Instead, he resigned from his job, gave up the comforts of a secure life, and stepped into the rough and uncertain world of public service. Because he believed someone had to fight back. And that someone was him. In Gujarat, the home turf of the BJP, Gopal built something no one thought was possible - a new kind of politics. He walked through dusty village roads, stood with farmers during their worst crises, raised his voice when students were robbed of their futures by leaked exams and when women were paraded in shame by the very system meant to protect them. Under Gopal’s leadership, AAP went from *zero to five MLAs, secured a 14% vote share and 42L votes.* We didn't just contest, we won. Gopal and his team have challenged the might of Modi, Shah and the BJP, right in their own bastion. *And today, as he contests the by-elections from Visavadar, it's not just another election.* It's a battle between everything AAP stands for and everything that has corrupted our democracy for decades. We are up against a political machine with endless money, muscle, and media. But we have something they don't - You! Gopal doesn't have black money. He doesn't have criminal backers or corporate donors. He has courage. He has character. And he has You. If Gopal wins, it sends a message across India, that honesty, integrity, and people-first politics can still win. That the Aam Aadmi still matters. *But to get there, we need your help. And we need it today.* *Your contribution, big or small, can help print posters, organize rallies, support volunteers, and fuel a campaign that’s powered by people, not profits.* You can donate here: https://aapgujarat.org/gopalitalia This is not just Gopal’s fight. This is *our* fight. Let’s stand by the man who stood for all of us. Let’s send Gopal Italia to the Assembly and show India what real politics looks like. Jai Hind Regards, Arvind Kejriwal National Convenor, Aam Aadmi Party