Vote counting for Punjab’s high-stakes local body elections is underway, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerging as the clear frontrunner in early trends across municipal corporations, municipal councils and Nagar Panchayats.
The counting process began at 8 AM for elections held across 103 urban local bodies in the state, including eight major municipal corporations. The civic polls are being closely watched as a political test ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
According to trends available till 2 PM, the AAP has taken a massive lead with 592 seats, significantly ahead of its rivals. Independent candidates and others followed with 211 seats, while the Congress secured 184 seats. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was leading or winning in 137 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stood at 52 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) managed to secure four seats.
The elections were conducted for eight municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils and 20 Nagar Panchayats across Punjab. The key municipal corporations where voting took place include Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala and Pathankot.
A total of 7,555 candidates contested the elections, making it one of the largest urban local body battles in the state in recent years. The AAP fielded the highest number of candidates at 1,801, followed by Congress with 1,550 candidates. The BJP contested with 1,316 nominees, while the Shiromani Akali Dal fielded 1,251 candidates. BSP contested 96 seats, while 1,528 Independent candidates also entered the fray.
The polling process earlier this week witnessed nearly 64 per cent voter turnout. However, voting in several areas was marred by clashes, stone pelting, allegations of booth capturing and attacks on political workers, leading to heightened political tensions in parts of the state.
Political observers believe the local body election results could significantly influence the narrative ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, especially as all major parties attempt to strengthen their urban voter base.
Latest Punjab Local Body Election Trends (Till 2 PM)
- AAP: 592
- Independents & Others: 211
- Congress: 184
- SAD: 137
- BJP: 52
- BSP: 04
