AAP Dominates Punjab Civic Polls, Deals Blow to Congress

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) achieved a major victory in Punjab's civic body elections, capturing over 48% of the municipal wards. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann celebrated the win as an affirmation of his government's development agenda and a rejection of adversarial politics.

According to data from the Punjab State Election Commission, out of 1,977 wards, AAP secured 958, while Congress came in second with 397. The Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP won 191 and 172 wards, respectively. Independents showed strong performance, winning 251 wards in total.

Among the eight municipal corporations, AAP emerged dominant in Moga, Barnala, Bathinda, and Batala, becoming the largest party in Mohali. Meanwhile, Congress led in Kapurthala, with the BJP commanding Pathankot and Abohar. The results were a significant test for AAP ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP's national convener, expressed gratitude to Punjab's populace for the landslide win. He targeted the BJP, criticizing its tactics and claimed that the election outcome was a rebuke to its policies. Opposition Congress criticized AAP for what it alleged were abuses of power during the electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)