Ludhiana: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered a significant defeat in the Punjab municipal elections, failing to make any notable impact despite earlier expectations of a stronger performance. The polls, conducted on May 26 using ballot papers, saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerge as the clear winner across most urban local bodies.
AAP secured decisive victories in several municipal corporations, including 36 of 50 wards in Barnala, 30 of 50 in Batala, and 30 of 50 in Moga. The party also performed well in Nagar Panchayats and dominated a large number of municipal councils, winning 630 out of the 1,272 wards declared so far. In contrast, the BJP managed only 97 seats in municipal councils and drew a blank in many other areas.
The results were particularly disappointing for the BJP, which could not save its security deposit in more than 1,000 seats. The party finished in fifth position overall, behind AAP, Congress, Independents, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Some BJP supporters and analysts have attributed the poor showing to the use of ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). They argue that the traditional paper ballot system may have contributed to the unexpected outcome, reviving discussions about the reliability and fairness of different voting methods. This result could add weight to ongoing national debates regarding the reintroduction of ballot papers in larger elections.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann welcomed the verdict, stating that it reflected public approval of AAP’s governance initiatives such as free electricity, healthcare, and education. He described the BJP as part of the “ED party” alliance and noted that the combined seats of Congress, SAD, and BJP fell short of AAP’s tally. Mann expressed confidence that the civic poll performance would help AAP build momentum for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Congress leader Raja Warring, however, alleged that the ruling party had misused official machinery during the campaign. He described the AAP celebrations as “stolen glory” and predicted that the party would struggle in the next Assembly polls.
The elections covered 102 municipal bodies with a voter turnout of 63.94%. A total of 7,554 candidates were in the fray, with 80 candidates elected unopposed.
The BJP’s leadership is now reviewing the results and strategizing for future contests. While the party had hoped for better outcomes in key urban areas, the setback has prompted internal discussions on improving grassroots outreach in Punjab.
This outcome highlights the challenges faced by national parties in regional politics, especially when contests are held through traditional ballot paper systems. As Punjab prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections, all major parties will be watching closely to see how these local trends influence the larger political landscape.
