The counting of votes for the Bathinda Municipal Corporation elections is underway, with early trends indicating a strong lead for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The elections, held on February 15, 2026, saw a voter turnout of approximately 65%. As the counting progresses, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress are locked in a tight race for several key wards.
Key Highlights
- AAP Surges Ahead: The ruling party in Punjab has taken an early lead in 25 out of 50 wards, according to initial counts. Party workers are celebrating outside the counting center.
- BJP Shows Resilience: Despite predictions, the BJP has managed to secure leads in 12 wards, largely due to strong performances in urban areas.
- Congress Trails: The Congress party, which ruled the state until 2022, is leading in only 8 wards so far, facing anti-incumbency and internal factionalism.
- Independents and Others: Independent candidates and smaller parties are leading in 5 wards, indicating a fragmented vote in some areas.
Counting Process
The counting began at 8 AM at the Guru Nanak Dev University campus under tight security. Postal ballots were counted first, followed by EVM votes. The Election Commission has set up 10 tables for counting, with each table handling five wards. Officials expect the final results to be announced by late evening.
Political Reactions
Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann expressed confidence in his party's victory, stating, "The people of Bathinda have chosen development over divisive politics." Meanwhile, BJP's state president Sunil Jakhar said, "Our vote share has increased significantly, and we will continue to strengthen our base in urban Punjab." Congress candidate and former mayor Gurdarshan Singh Gazi conceded that the party faced an uphill task but vowed to analyze the results.
The Bathinda Municipal Corporation election is seen as a semi-final before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The results will be crucial for all parties in gauging public mood. Stay tuned for live updates as counting continues.
