The counting of votes for the Mehsana Municipal Corporation elections is underway, with results expected to be announced later today. The polls, held on April 26, 2026, witnessed a voter turnout of over 65%, with key parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) contesting for control of the civic body.
Key Contests and Candidates
The Mehsana Municipal Corporation comprises 40 wards, each electing a councilor. The BJP has fielded candidates in all wards, while Congress and AAP have contested in 35 and 28 wards respectively. Independent candidates are also in the fray in several constituencies.
Major Candidates
- BJP: Party leaders have expressed confidence in retaining the corporation, citing development works and welfare schemes.
- Congress: The opposition party has focused on local issues like water supply and road infrastructure.
- AAP: The party is contesting municipal polls for the first time in Mehsana, promising transparency and accountability.
Counting Process and Security
Counting began at 8 AM at 10 designated centers across the city. Strict security arrangements have been made with over 500 police personnel deployed. Each counting center has been divided into zones, with live video monitoring to ensure a fair process.
Steps in Counting
- Postal ballots are counted first.
- Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes are tallied ward-wise.
- Results are verified and announced by the Returning Officer.
Previous Election Results
In the 2021 Mehsana Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP won a decisive victory, securing 30 out of 40 seats. Congress managed 8 seats, and independents won 2. The AAP did not contest in the previous election.
Implications for State Politics
The Mehsana results are seen as a bellwether for upcoming local body polls in other Gujarat cities. A strong performance by the BJP would reinforce its dominance in the state, while a breakthrough by AAP could signal a shift in voter sentiment. Congress hopes to regain lost ground after a series of electoral setbacks.
Stay tuned for live updates as the counting progresses and final results emerge.
