Patiala, 22 December 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a commanding victory in the Patiala Municipal Corporation (MC) elections, winning 35 out of 45 contested seats. Combined with eight candidates elected unopposed earlier, AAP’s tally stands at 43 seats, surpassing the majority threshold of 31 in the 60-member MC House.
Voter turnout for the elections remained low, with only 33% of the 2,27,417 registered voters casting their ballots, a steep drop from the 62.22% turnout recorded in the 2017 elections. The elections saw over 100 candidates vying for seats across 45 wards, while voting in seven wards was postponed due to a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive.
Uncontested Wins Boost AAP
AAP’s strong performance was bolstered by the 15 candidates elected unopposed, which included the seven wards—Nos. 1, 32, 33, 36, 41, 48, and 50—where elections were deferred. These unopposed victories gave AAP a head start, which it built on with its commanding performance in the contested wards.
The Congress and BJP managed to win four seats each, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) secured two.
Polls Marred by Violence
The elections were marked by allegations of vote rigging and clashes between AAP workers and opposition supporters. Instances of violence during the polling process further clouded the electoral atmosphere.
AAP’s Dominance Across Patiala District
In addition to its MC win, AAP demonstrated its strength across Patiala district. In Sanaur Municipal Council (15 wards), Devigarh Nagar Panchayat (13 wards), and Ghanaur Nagar Panchayat (11 wards), all councillors were elected unopposed.
In the 11-member Nagar Panchayat at Bhadson, AAP claimed five seats, while in the 13-member Ghagga Nagar Panchayat, eight AAP candidates emerged victorious. Turnout at Bhadson and Ghagga was 74% and 78%, respectively, a sharp contrast to the lackluster participation in Patiala.
AAP’s sweeping results signal its growing influence in Patiala, despite controversies and a significant decline in voter turnout.
