Rajasthan municipal election results: BJP dominates, but Congress springs surprise
Despite the BJP's strong performance, the Congress managed a tight contest, scoring significant victories in some areas and highlighting a complex political landscape in Rajasthan's cities
As vote counting concludes for councillor posts in 309 urban local bodies across Rajasthan, initial reports indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a clear lead, surpassing the Indian National Congress in the majority of seats. The BJP is reportedly leading in 163 seats, while the Congress trails with 103, and independent candidates have secured 43 seats. These elections are pivotal for the formation of governing boards in various municipal bodies, including corporations, councils, and municipalities, across the state. While the BJP shows overall strength in urban areas, the contests in larger municipal corporations in cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur have been more competitive, with shifting dynamics observed. Notable events include the BJP's strong performance in Ajmer and Udaipur municipal corporations and a significant upset where a two-time former mayor faced defeat in Ajmer. Conversely, the Congress achieved a notable victory in the Jhalawar Municipal Council, a traditional BJP stronghold. These results offer an early indication of urban voter sentiment in Rajasthan and assess the current strength of both major parties and the continued relevance of independent candidates in local politics.
As vote counting concludes for councillor posts in 309 urban local bodies across Rajasthan, initial reports indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a clear lead, surpassing the Indian National Congress in the majority of seats. The BJP is reportedly leading in 163 seats, while the Congress trails with 103, and independent candidates have secured 43 seats. These elections are pivotal for the formation of governing boards in various municipal bodies, including corporations, councils, and municipalities, across the state. While the BJP shows overall strength in urban areas, the contests in larger municipal corporations in cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur have been more competitive, with shifting dynamics observed. Notable events include the BJP's strong performance in Ajmer and Udaipur municipal corporations and a significant upset where a two-time former mayor faced defeat in Ajmer. Conversely, the Congress achieved a notable victory in the Jhalawar Municipal Council, a traditional BJP stronghold. These results offer an early indication of urban voter sentiment in Rajasthan and assess the current strength of both major parties and the continued relevance of independent candidates in local politics.
As vote counting concludes for councillor posts in 309 urban local bodies across Rajasthan, initial reports indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a clear lead, surpassing the Indian National Congress in the majority of seats. The BJP is reportedly leading in 163 seats, while the Congress trails with 103, and independent candidates have secured 43 seats. These elections are pivotal for the formation of governing boards in various municipal bodies, including corporations, councils, and municipalities, across the state. While the BJP shows overall strength in urban areas, the contests in larger municipal corporations in cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur have been more competitive, with shifting dynamics observed. Notable events include the BJP's strong performance in Ajmer and Udaipur municipal corporations and a significant upset where a two-time former mayor faced defeat in Ajmer. Conversely, the Congress achieved a notable victory in the Jhalawar Municipal Council, a traditional BJP stronghold. These results offer an early indication of urban voter sentiment in Rajasthan and assess the current strength of both major parties and the continued relevance of independent candidates in local politics.
As vote counting for councillor posts in 309 urban local bodies across Rajasthan progresses, reports suggest the BJP has a clear edge despite the Congress putting up a tight contest. The counting of votes began at 8 a.m.
Of the 309 seats, the BJP leads in 163, the Congress in 103, and independent candidates in 43. The election will clear the way for the formation of governing boards in 10 municipal corporations, 47 municipal councils, and 252 municipalities.
However, the picture in the larger municipal corporations is not entirely one-sided, and the contest appears to be shifting in different directions in major cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
In Ajmer, the BJP has taken the lead. Of the 27 wards declared so far, the BJP has won 13 seats, while the Congress has won 10. In the 15 ward results announced so far for the Udaipur Municipal Corporation, the BJP has taken a lead. The BJP has won 10 wards, while the Congress has secured five seats. In Alwar Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP has taken a lead.
In Mandar, the BJP won seven wards, while the Congress secured six. The party also fared well in Kushalgarh and Etawah.
The elections also saw many upsets, including in Ajmer Municipal Corporation, where two-time former mayor Dharmendra Gehlot faced a crushing defeat in the city's most talked-about Ward No. 4. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Monika Jain won with a brilliant performance.
Congress also scored a landslide victory in the Jhalawar Municipal Council elections, breaking into a BJP stronghold. Out of a total of 45 wards, Congress has secured a clear majority by winning 29.
Local media reports state that the BJP's victory in 163 seats is being seen as a strong showing for the party in urban areas. While the Congress continues to struggle, independent candidates retained their significant role in local politics.
All eyes are now on the municipal council elections. After the formation of the new boards, elections will be held for the mayor, chairman, and municipal council chairman.
These elections are significant for the BJP government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, considering its efforts to strengthen its position in urban Rajasthan after coming to power in the 2023 assembly elections.
For the Congress, the results come as a setback as it proves its organisiation base in the state is in tatters. The results also offer an early indication of voter mood in Rajasthan's urban areas and the strength of the two main parties at the ward level.
The civic elections witnessed an intense campaign by the BJP and the Congress, while Independents and candidates of other parties were also in the fray in several urban bodies.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully, BJP state president Madan Rathore and Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra were among the prominent leaders who campaigned for their respective parties.