Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured a decisive victory in the state’s urban local body elections, winning over 33% of the wards across 103 civic bodies. Out of the results declared so far, AAP leads with 772 wards, followed by Congress at 304, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at 153. Independent candidates put up a strong showing with 227 seats, while the BJP and BSP trailed with 91 and 6 wards, respectively.
While Punjab’s civic polls historically favour the state’s ruling party, this election was marred by heavy controversy. Opposition parties alleged widespread voter intimidation, claiming candidates were blocked from filing nominations or forced to withdraw. Additionally, the voting day on May 26 was hit by sporadic violence and clashes.
Tensions escalated further after the Punjab State Election Commission opted for paper ballots over EVMs, citing supply shortages. Despite legal challenges that escalated all the way to the Supreme Court—which refused to halt the process—the BJP has continued to allege “vote theft.”
The results may mark a setback for the BJP, which had hoped to expand its urban footprint following a recent victory in West Bengal and the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs.
The Tally So Far:
| Party | Wards Won |
| AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) | 772 |
| INC (Congress) | 304 |
| Independents | 227 |
| SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal) | 153 |
| BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) | 91 |
| BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) | 6 |
