AAP secures 35 of 45 seats in violence-hit Patiala elections

The ruling AAP swept the local MC elections as it bagged 35 of the 45 seats on which the polling was held today. Nearly 33% of the total 2,27,417 voters exercised their franchise in 45 wards of the 60-member MC House. Over 100 candidates were in the fray.

AAP experiment worked: MP Dharamvira Gandhi

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It was a friendly match between AAP and the BJP. I would rather say it was a trial before the 2027 Assembly elections as AAP wants to project the BJP as a serious contender, not the Congress. In the present scenario, AAP does not stand a chance in a direct fight with the Congress. Unfortunately, local administration also played a partisan role.

AAP was having a clear advantage in Patiala as its 15 candidates had been elected ‘unopposed’. However, elections to seven wards were deferred following the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The elections to ward No. 1, 32, 33, 36, 41, 48 and 50 will be held later. AAP candidates were declared unopposed winners on these seats. While AAP secured 35 seats during the elections today, its eight candidates were elected unopposed earlier. It has secured 43 seats so far. To register a clear majority, the party had to cross the magic figure of 31.

The elections were marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging. There were reports of clashes between AAP workers and supporters of opposition parties during the polling.

Only 33% of the total voters came out to cast their votes today, while the poll percentage was 62.22 during the 2017 MC elections. Bhadson and Ghagga Nagar Panchayats registered a turnout of 74% and 78%, respectively.

Meanwhile, Congress and BJP candidates secured four seats each and SAD candidates emerged winners on two. The ruling AAP swept other local body elections in the district as well. All councillors in the Sanaur Municipal Council (15 wards), Devigarh Nagar Panchayat (13 wards) and Ghanaur Nagar Panchayat (11 wards) were elected unopposed. In the 11 member Nagar Panchayat at Bhadson, AAP secured five seats, while in the 13-member Ghagga Nagar Panchayat, eight party candidates registered victory.