Punjab Local Body Elections: Counting Underway Amidst Tight Security

Vote Counting for Punjab Local Elections Begins

The counting of votes for the Punjab district council and panchayat committee elections commenced today under stringent security measures. Voting took place on December 14 across 347 zones in 22 district councils and 2,838 zones in 153 panchayat committees, with a voter turnout of 48%. Over 9,000 candidates contested in this election.

Candidates from major political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and BJP, participated under their respective party symbols. Prior to the voting, Congress and SAD accused the ruling AAP of "blatant electoral fraud," alleging misuse of government machinery to hinder opposition candidates from filing nominations, with some nominations reportedly being canceled.

Current Trends and Results

Officials have indicated that the counting of ballots is still ongoing, and complete results have yet to be announced. However, preliminary trends suggest that AAP is leading in most areas of the district councils and panchayat committees.

Congress is currently in second place, followed by SAD. In the district councils, AAP has secured victories in over 60 areas, while Congress has won in more than 10, SAD in three, BJP in one, and two independent candidates have also emerged victorious.

Panchayat Committee Results

In the panchayat committees, the ruling party is leading in over 1,000 areas, with Congress following in more than 250 areas, SAD in over 170, BJP in more than 25, and other parties in 65 areas. Voting for the elections took place on December 14 for the members of 347 zones in 22 district councils and 2,838 zones in 153 panchayat committees.

Aman Arora, the Punjab president of AAP and a cabinet minister, stated that the results announced so far favor AAP. He noted that the trends indicate a positive response from the public towards the policies of the Punjab government. As of now, results for 71 zones in the district councils have been declared, with AAP winning in 60 zones, Congress in seven, SAD and BJP in one each, and two independent candidates winning. He claimed, "Approximately 85% of the results announced so far are in favor of AAP."

As the counting of votes for the district council and panchayat committee elections continues in Punjab, AAP has asserted that it has won in over 900 zones and is leading in several others. Officials expect the complete results to be available by late evening.