Recent bypoll victories in Gujarat and Punjab have injected a fresh dose of optimism into the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), particularly after a disappointing performance in the Delhi assembly elections earlier in 2025. These wins have not only boosted the party's morale but have also prompted AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal to boldly predict a clean sweep in the upcoming Punjab and Gujarat assembly elections in 2027.

AAP's recent successes include Gopal Italia's victory in Gujarat's Visavadar constituency and Sanjeev Arora's win in Ludhiana West, Punjab. Italia, former Gujarat AAP president, defeated Kirit Patel of the BJP by a significant margin. Similarly, in Ludhiana West, Arora triumphed over Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Kejriwal has hailed these victories as a "semifinal" for the 2027 assembly elections, asserting that AAP is on track to form the next governments in both states. He thanked voters for their support and congratulated both Italia and Arora on their wins. He also stated that the Congress top leadership is hand in glove with the BJP, and that AAP is fighting against the system to give clean politics to the people, who he says are fed up with the BJP in Gujarat.

Kejriwal emphasized that the increased victory margins in both states, compared to previous elections, reflect a growing public trust in AAP's governance model and a rejection of both the BJP and Congress. He pointed out that in Punjab, despite being in power for three years, there's a wave of pro-incumbency, and he expects the party to cross 100 seats in the 2027 elections, improving on the 92 seats won in 2022.

The win in Visavadar is particularly noteworthy. The seat has been delivering anti-BJP verdicts since 2012, and the BJP hasn't won it since 2007. Italia's victory is seen as a significant achievement, boosting AAP's plan to project him as its face in Gujarat.

However, it is important to consider other perspectives and factors that might influence future election outcomes. In Gujarat, while AAP has gained momentum, the Congress maintains a pan-Gujarat network. The BJP also holds considerable control over the state's socio-political-financial centers. AAP's gains in Gujarat have largely been at the expense of the Congress, potentially complicating dynamics within the INDIA bloc.

AAP's focus on its anti-corruption platform also comes at a time when it has faced scrutiny and setbacks. AAP leaders crafted campaigns focused on local issues and have followed careful strategies, including organizational restructuring in different states, after the Delhi assembly elections.

In Punjab, AAP's government faces challenges, including criticism over law and order, drug trafficking, and unfulfilled promises. The party's relationship with farmer unions is also complex, and alienating its rural voter base could have political repercussions.

Despite these challenges, AAP seems determined to expand its influence beyond Delhi and Punjab. The party's national status and its focus on issues such as corruption and governance resonate with voters in various states. The bypoll wins have provided a crucial morale boost and have reinforced Kejriwal's ambition to lead AAP to victory in Punjab and Gujarat in 2027.