Listen To This Post

Chandigarh: Early trends from the counting of votes for Punjab’s urban local body elections indicate a strong performance by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has surged ahead in several municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state. The counting process began on Friday morning amid tight security arrangements, with the fate of 7,554 candidates being decided.

The elections, held on Tuesday, saw over 21.38 lakh voters cast their ballots to elect representatives to eight municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils, and 19 nagar panchayats. With the Assembly elections only a few months away, the civic polls are being viewed as a crucial political indicator for all major parties.

AAP gains momentum in several regions

Initial trends in counting suggest that the ruling AAP has established an early advantage in multiple urban centres. In Mohali, the party was leading in six wards during the first two rounds of counting, signalling a promising start in one of the state’s most politically significant urban centres.

In Fazilka district’s Arniwala Nagar Panchayat, AAP secured six of the first nine declared wards, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) won three seats. Both the Congress and the BJP failed to open their accounts in the local body.

AAP also dominated the Municipal Council elections in Rayya, Amritsar district, winning 11 of the 12 wards declared, leaving the Congress with just one seat. Similarly, in Ramdas Municipal Council, AAP captured 10 of the 11 declared wards, while SAD managed one victory.

In the Banga Municipal Council of Nawanshahr district, AAP secured a clear majority by winning 10 out of 15 wards. Independent candidates won two seats, while BJP, BSP and SAD each won one seat.

Congress puts up a strong fight in Kapurthala.

While AAP led in several areas, the Congress registered a notable performance in the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation. Of the first 17 wards declared, Congress won 14, AAP secured two, and one seat went to an Independent candidate.

In another tally from Kapurthala, Congress candidates emerged victorious in ten wards, including Wards 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14. The party’s strong showing indicated that it remains a significant force in parts of Doaba despite recent organisational challenges.

Mixed picture in Moga

The contest remained closely fought in Moga Municipal Corporation, where no single party appeared dominant in the early rounds. Out of 53 wards, AAP and Congress were tied with 13 seats each, while SAD and BJP had secured 11 seats each. Independents won five wards, making Moga one of the most competitive civic contests in the state.

AAP secures majority in Hariana Municipal Council

AAP achieved a clear majority in Hariana Municipal Council by winning seven of the eleven wards. Congress won three wards, while the BJP managed one seat. The victories gave AAP firm control over the local body and reinforced its growing organisational strength in the region.

Independent candidates emerge as key players.

Independent candidates also performed strongly in several councils. In Sultanpur Lodhi Municipal Council, candidates backed by the Rana group secured seven of the first ten declared wards, leaving AAP with three seats. Their performance highlighted the continuing influence of local political groupings in Punjab’s civic elections.

Ludhiana district witnesses competitive contests.

In Ludhiana district, counting trends revealed a closely contested political battle. AAP was leading in several wards across Khanna, Jagraon, Samrala and other councils, but Congress and SAD were also showing resilience.

At the district level, out of 108 contested wards, AAP was leading in 18, Congress in 11, SAD in 6, BJP in 1, and Independents in 2. The figures suggest that while AAP enjoys an advantage, opposition parties continue to retain pockets of influence.

Early victories in Sirhind, Mukerian and Patran

In the Sirhind Municipal Council, AAP won four of the first six declared wards, while Congress secured two seats. In Mukerian, AAP and Congress shared the initial victories, with AAP candidate Priya Bharyal winning Ward No. 1 and Congress candidate Satnam Singh winning Ward No. 2.

In Patran Municipal Council, AAP opened its account with victories in four wards, further consolidating its position in the Malwa belt.

Political significance beyond local governance

Though municipal elections traditionally favour the ruling party, political observers believe this year’s results carry greater significance as a precursor to the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. A strong performance by AAP would reinforce Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s political position. At the same time, gains by Congress, BJP or SAD could provide momentum to opposition campaigns ahead of the larger electoral battle.

As counting continues across the state, the final results will offer a clearer picture of Punjab’s evolving political landscape and the relative strength of the major parties heading into the next Assembly election.