The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decisively won the Jalalabad Municipal Council elections held on Sunday, wresting control from the Congress in the border town of Fazilka district. According to official sources, AAP secured 12 of the 17 wards, while the Congress managed four and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) won one. The BJP failed to open its account. Voter turnout was recorded at around 70 percent.
Background and Previous Results
In the 2021 Municipal Council elections, the Congress had held a majority in the council. This year's results mark a significant shift, with AAP taking control. All four major parties—AAP, Congress, SAD, and BJP—contested all 17 wards.
Key Wins and Close Contests
Despite active campaigning by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, the party could only win Ward No. 5. Shashi Aneja, wife of SAD district president Ashok Aneja, won that seat by a margin of 103 votes. The AAP's victories were spread across the town, consolidating its position in this border constituency.
Peaceful Polling with Minor Incidents
Unlike the 2021 elections, polling on Sunday was largely peaceful, barring a few minor incidents. A brief stone-pelting episode occurred in Ward No. 5 in the morning after a youth was allegedly seen carrying voter identity cards. The situation was quickly brought under control by authorities.
Security Arrangements
Heavy police deployment was made across the town to ensure smooth voting. Fazilka SSP Varinder Singh Brar said more than 450 police personnel were deployed despite the hot and humid weather to guarantee peaceful and hassle-free polling. He added that no untoward incident was reported from any of the 17 wards. The SSP also noted that the Municipal Council elections held last month in Fazilka and Abohar had remained peaceful as well.
Impact and Analysis
The AAP's sweep in Jalalabad is seen as a boost for the ruling party in Punjab, while the Congress faces a setback in a town it previously controlled. The SAD's single win, despite high-profile campaigning, signals limited gains. The BJP's blank result underscores its continued struggle in the state's civic polls. With a 70 percent voter turnout, the election reflected active public participation in the border town.
