CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Lacking third political alternative in Punjab, ruling SAD-BJP has achieved a big victory in elections of 6 Municipal Corporations and 122 Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats. Congress had to face major setback and emerging political power Aam Aadmi Party had decided not to contest these elections.
According to the results announced today of Municipal Corporations polls held on Feb 22, all the six cities of Mohali, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur, Moga, Phagwara, Bathinda will have SAD-BJP Mayors. Out of total 301 wards SAD-BJP alliance have won 167 Wards (SAD—82, BJP—85), Congress have won in 68 wards, BSP in 2 and Independents are successful in 64 wards.
In the byelections, Kamlesh Grover of the Congress won the one ward that went to the polls in Jalandhar. In Patiala, the two wards at stake went to the SAD.
Of 122 municipal councils and nagar panchayats polls, SAD has secured a majority on its own in 46 councils and in partnership with the BJP in 28 others. With the BJP winning seven councils on its own, the alliance partners were in majority in 81 towns.
Congress, which has even not fielded candidates on all the seats in these polls, once again failed to consolidate its position at the ground level, amid infighting and tussle over state leadership issue.
Independents, among them some of are rebels of SAD, BJP and Congress parties, gave tough fight to the candidates of these political parties.
