Punjab Local Body Polls: AAP Sweeps Rural Seats, Opposition Alleges Rigging

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday hailed its sweeping victory in the zila parishad and block samiti elections, claiming it reflected the public’s endorsement of the party’s governance. The Opposition, however, alleged misuse of power during the polls.

AAP Claims Victory

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the party’s success in over 70% of the seats in both zila parishads and block samitis demonstrated strong public trust.

“The results so far show that AAP has almost swept rural Punjab. It feels as if there is a very strong wave in favour of AAP. Around 70% of the seats have been won by AAP. This is a very big thing,” Kejriwal said at a press conference in Mohali.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann added that the Opposition’s criticism was baseless, asserting that the elections were transparent, free, and fair.

Opposition Allegations

• Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused AAP of “basking in stolen glory,” claiming the victory was stolen through administrative manipulation.

• BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh alleged blatant misuse of power by the AAP government, saying democratic norms were compromised.

• Shiromani Akali Dal leaders Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler also accused the ruling party of rigging the elections and using force.

The contrasting narratives highlight a contentious political environment in Punjab, with the ruling party celebrating its rural mandate while the Opposition questions the integrity of the process.