"Congress, Akali Dal, BJP seats combined can't equal AAP...people have rejected politics of hatred": Bhagwant Mann on Punjab local body election results
Chandigarh, May 29
With the Aam Aadmi Party registering a strong performance in the Punjab local body elections, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that even if the seats won by the BJP, Akali Dal, and Congress are combined, they can't equal that of AAP.
Mann, who addressed a press conference, extended greetings to the people of Punjab on "rejecting those parties that seek to divide people along religious or caste lines."
"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Punjab. They have rejected the politics of hatred and have instead given a resounding mandate in favour of development. I wish to congratulate them for rejecting those parties that seek to divide people along religious or caste lines and recognise AAP's secular administration," he said.
He expressed confidence that Aam Aadmi Party will win around 1,000 seats.
"If we combine the votes and seats of the Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP altogether, they still do not equal the Aam Aadmi Party. The Aam Aadmi Party will win around 1,000 seats. We have won 890 according to the latest information. The results for 150 are still pending," he said.
"More than 90% of the Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats have been won by the Aam Aadmi Party," he said.
Counting of votes for the Punjab civic body elections began across multiple counting centres in the state amid elaborate security arrangements.
Polling for 75 Municipal Councils and 20 Nagar Panchayats across Punjab was held on May 26. A total of 7,555 candidates contested the elections for various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats in the state.
According to election officials, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had fielded 1,801 candidates, and Congress 1,550. They said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had 1,316 candidates in the fray, and the Shiromani Akali Dal had fielded 1,251 candidates for the civic body polls.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows Indian politics from abroad, this is really encouraging. The Punjab model of development-based governance could be a template for other states. Though I hope AAP focuses on infrastructure and jobs too, not just local body wins.
I'm happy that divisive politics is losing ground in Punjab. But let's not get too cocky - local body elections are different from state assembly. AAP needs to show results on the ground - better roads, clean water, and jobs for youth. Actions speak louder than press conferences. 😊
Mann saab is absolutely right. We are tired of these parties dividing us on caste and religion. In our village, people voted for development - better schools, hospitals, and drainage. That's what matters. Akali Dal and Congress just do drama during elections, nothing else.
It's refreshing to see a party that actually talks about development and not just religion or caste. But I wish they would focus more on women's safety and education. Let's see if they deliver in the municipal councils. For now, it's a good start. 🌸
Interesting to see the shift away from traditional parties in Punjab. But I'm a bit skeptical - the same AAP that struggled in Delhi municipal elections is now sweeping Punjab? Something doesn't add up. Let's see if this translates to actual governance improvement.
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