Gandhinagar civic polls: 59.25% turnout recorded, counting on October 13
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections concluded on Sunday, 11 October 2026 with a voter turnout of 59.25 per cent, as the electoral fate of 130 candidates contesting 44 seats across 11 wards was sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs). A total of 1,54,045 of the 2,59,985 registered voters exercised their franchise, according to the district election administration.
Ward-Wise Turnout Breakdown
Ward 4 recorded the highest turnout at 74.78 per cent, followed by Ward 1 at 71.22 per cent and Ward 2 at 69.70 per cent. Ward 7 posted 66.37 per cent, while Ward 6 registered 61.98 per cent.
At the other end of the spectrum, Ward 5 recorded the lowest participation at 48.63 per cent. Turnout also remained below 52 per cent in Ward 8 (51.88%), Ward 9 (51.54%), and Ward 10 (50.80%). Ward 3 came in at 59.26 per cent, and Ward 11 at 57.69 per cent.
Gender Voter Participation
Of the total votes cast, 82,674 were by male voters and 71,371 by female voters. Male turnout stood at 62.36 per cent, compared with 56.02 per cent among women. The electoral roll comprised 1,32,570 men, 1,27,406 women, and nine voters in the other category.
Key Contestants and Political Stakes
The elections were contested by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The results will determine the composition of Gujarat's state capital civic body. Notably, the GMC last went to polls in October 2021, when the BJP swept 41 of the 44 seats — Congress secured two, and AAP one.
The elections were held alongside polls in Okha and Thara municipalities, as well as by-elections to vacant seats in other local bodies across Gujarat. The State Election Commission had announced the schedule on 16 September, triggering the model code of conduct.
What Happens Next
EVMs have been secured in strong rooms. Counting is scheduled for 13 October, and the results will reveal whether the BJP retains its commanding grip on Gandhinagar's civic administration or faces a meaningful challenge from Congress or AAP — a result that could signal broader political momentum ahead of future state contests.