Punjab urban local body election results announced on Friday showed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party ahead, though the outcome was clouded by disputes following claims of violence, nomination rejections and arguments over ballot papers versus electronic voting machines. Counting continued across eight municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils and 20 nagar panchayats covering 1,977 wards. By 3 pm the AAP led with 675 ward wins, Congress had 270, independents 211, Shiromani Akali Dal 150, BJP 67 and Bahujan Samaj Party 6. Of 80 unopposed winners, 63 were from the AAP. The party also dominated in several ministerial constituencies. Opposition groups argued the scale of the AAP victory could not be separated from reported irregularities during nominations and polling day clashes. The decision to use ballot papers instead of EVMs drew further criticism, with the BJP alleging potential manipulation. Legal challenges reached the Supreme Court without halting the process. Post-result statements from the BJP repeated claims of irregularities. The Congress noted its inability to translate recent parliamentary gains into local strength, while the SAD viewed its performance as a sign of continued urban support.
