Gujarat Civic Polls: Voting Begins Across 15 Corporations Amid High-Stakes BJP–Congress–AAP Showdown

Gujrat, Apr 26 : Voting commenced at 7 am on Sunday for Gujarat’s extensive local body elections, covering a wide spectrum of urban and rural institutions in one of the state’s most significant democratic exercises. The polling process, scheduled to continue until 6 pm, encompasses 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats.

More than 4.18 crore eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 9,992 candidates contesting across multiple tiers of governance. Major urban centres such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot are among the prominent civic bodies where polling is underway.

Robust Security and Administrative Preparedness

Authorities have implemented a comprehensive three-tier security mechanism to ensure peaceful voting. Surveillance systems, including CCTV monitoring, have been activated, while special squads have been stationed in sensitive and vulnerable locations. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance throughout the polling process.

OBC Reservation Norms Shape Electoral Landscape

These elections are being conducted under revised guidelines for Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations, leading to extensive ward delimitation and restructuring in several districts. The changes have significantly influenced candidate selection and electoral strategies across parties.

Triangular Contest Dominates Political Arena

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Opposition Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are the principal contenders, turning the elections into a high-stakes triangular battle. Additionally, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded candidates in select regions, adding further complexity to the contest.

Notable Candidates in the Fray

Several prominent faces are participating in the elections. Former Gujarat-cadre IPS officer M L Ninama is contesting from the Odh seat in Shamlaji taluka for the Arvalli district panchayat. The BJP has fielded former AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani from the Bhesan seat in Junagadh district panchayat. Meanwhile, former radio jockey Abha Desai, popularly known as RJ Abha, is contesting on a Congress ticket from Ward 10 of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

New Municipal Corporations Go to Polls

In a notable development, elections are being conducted for the first time in nine newly formed municipal corporations, including Navsari, Gandhidham, Morbi, Vapi, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Porbandar and Surendranagar. These newly upgraded urban centres are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future local governance.

High-Decibel Campaigning by Key Leaders

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led an extensive campaign for the BJP across the state. The AAP, aiming to expand its footprint, began its campaign early, with Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann addressing multiple rallies.

AAP is contesting around 5,000 seats, marking its most ambitious attempt yet in Gujarat’s local elections. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi campaigned in the final phase, holding public meetings in key locations.

Past Performance Sets the Context

The electoral battle unfolds against the backdrop of the 2021 local polls, where the BJP registered a sweeping victory, securing 6,236 out of 8,470 seats across municipalities. The party had also dominated all six municipal corporations and gained control over a majority of district and taluka panchayats, leaving the Congress far behind.

Counting Scheduled for April 28

The results of this large scale electoral exercise will be announced on April 28, providing a clear picture of the evolving political dynamics in Gujarat’s grassroots governance system.