AAP Sweeps Patiala MC Polls

by The_unmuteenglish

Patiala, 22 December 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed a dominant victory in Patiala’s local municipal corporation (MC) elections, securing 35 out of 45 contested seats. Including candidates elected unopposed earlier, AAP’s tally has now reached 43 seats, well past the majority mark of 31 in the 60-member MC House.

Approximately 33% of the 2,27,417 registered voters turned out for the polls, significantly lower than the 62.22% turnout recorded in the 2017 MC elections. Over 100 candidates vied for seats in 45 wards, with elections to seven wards postponed following the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s intervention.

Unopposed Victories Bolster AAP
AAP began the election with a significant advantage as 15 of its candidates were declared elected unopposed, including the seven wards where voting was deferred (Ward Nos. 1, 32, 33, 36, 41, 48, and 50). With today’s results, the party further strengthened its position, cementing control over Patiala’s municipal governance.

Congress and the BJP each secured four seats, while Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidates won two.

Allegations of Rigging and Violence
Reports of violence and clashes marred the elections, with AAP workers and opposition supporters allegedly involved in altercations. Opposition parties raised concerns over vote-rigging, casting a shadow over the proceedings.

AAP Leads in District-wide Results
Beyond the MC polls, AAP dominated other local body elections in the Patiala district. 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 won five seats, while in the 13-member Ghagga Nagar Panchayat, it claimed eight. Bhadson and Ghagga registered voter turnouts of 74% and 78%, respectively, marking stark contrasts to the lower turnout in Patiala’s MC polls.

The AAP’s sweeping victories across Patiala highlight its stronghold in the district, even as the elections faced controversies and low voter engagement.

Related Articles