Gujarat Local Body Elections: BJP Maintains Strong Lead Amid Ongoing Counting
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Synopsis
As the counting of votes continues in Gujarat's local body elections, the BJP is showing a strong lead against the Congress across multiple municipalities and wards, indicating a potential sweep in several areas.
Key Takeaways
- BJP maintains lead in Gujarat local elections.
- Highest voter turnout recorded at 76% in Chorwad Municipality.
- Significant victories noted in various wards.
- Competition remains with Congress in certain areas.
- Local elections crucial for grassroots governance.
Gandhinagar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to hold a substantial lead against the Congress in the local body elections across Gujarat as the counting of votes progressed on Tuesday.
The vote counting began at 9 a.m. following elections conducted on February 16 for the Junagadh Municipal Corporation, 68 Municipalities, and three Taluka Panchayats. Notably, Chorwad Municipality achieved the highest voter turnout, reaching an impressive 76 percent, while the overall average turnout was recorded at 57 percent.
Preliminary results suggest a robust performance from the BJP, with significant wins in numerous wards. In Sanand Municipality, the BJP secured victory in Ward No. 1, and a similar achievement was noted in Mansa Municipality’s Ward No. 1.
The party also evidenced a successful start in Lunawada-Balasinor, leading in both Lunawada and Balasinor, and gaining ground in Ward No. 1 of Santrampur.
On the other hand, the Congress maintained a lead in the Khanpur-Kanod Taluka Panchayat.
Moreover, in Bhanvad, all 24 BJP candidates were declared winners unopposed. The BJP also marked victories in Ward No. 1 of Kutiyana Municipality, Valsad Municipality, and Vanthali in Junagadh. In Halol Municipality, the BJP panel emerged victorious in Ward No. 1. In Khedbrahma, all four BJP candidates from Ward No. 1 achieved victory, further solidifying the party’s dominance.
The ruling party also claimed Ward No. 1 in Halol Municipality.
Initial results reflect a successful start for the BJP in Raipur’s Gandhinagar Taluka Panchayat seat and Ward No. 1 of Jamjodhpur. The first ward of Chorwad Municipality also favored the BJP.
Elsewhere, the party recorded notable victories in Chalala, Amreli, securing four seats in the 24-seat Chalala Napa. The BJP swept Ward No. 1 in Prantij (Sabarkantha), Talod, and Kodinar. Another significant win was observed in Mansa Municipality’s Ward No. 1. In Lunawada, all four BJP candidates won in Ward No. 1, and in Dhrol Napa, the BJP secured victory in the same ward.
The party also triumphed in Ward No. 1 in Sanand Napa, Jamjodhpur, and Kodinar. Additionally, the BJP won in Sabarkantha’s Prantij and Talod. The elections in Songadh Municipality (Tapi) saw the BJP claiming four seats, marking a significant beginning in the 28-seat municipal body.
The local body elections are categorized into two primary groups: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs). ULBs encompass Municipal Corporations and Municipalities that manage urban regions, whereas RLBs include District Panchayats, Taluka Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats, overseeing rural governance.
Gujarat features six major Municipal Corporations — Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar — each responsible for urban infrastructure, sanitation, water supply, and public services. Additionally, the state possesses over 150 Municipalities that govern smaller towns.
Furthermore, there are 33 District Panchayats and 248 Taluka Panchayats that manage rural development initiatives, village infrastructure, and local governance issues.
Village Panchayats, representing the grassroots level of local governance, are vital in executing state and Central government schemes. Elections for these bodies are highly competitive, with significant political entities such as the BJP, Indian National Congress (INC), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vying for influence. Historically, the BJP has been the dominant force in Gujarat's local body elections, particularly in urban settings where it consistently achieves major wins in Municipal Corporations.
