Sat Dec 21 20:41:37 UTC 2024: ## AAP Sweeps Punjab Municipal Elections, Congress Shows Strength in Amritsar and Phagwara

**Amritsar, Punjab, December 22, 2024** – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a resounding victory in Punjab’s municipal elections, winning a majority of seats in Patiala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. However, the Indian National Congress (INC) emerged victorious in Amritsar and Phagwara.

Elections for five municipal corporations (Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, and Phagwara) and 44 smaller municipalities concluded on December 21st, with a reported 55% voter turnout. Over 3,300 candidates contested the elections.

AAP’s triumph was most pronounced in Patiala, where they won 43 out of 53 wards. They also secured leads in Ludhiana (42 out of 95 wards) and Jalandhar (39 out of 85 wards). AAP President Aman Arora hailed the results as a testament to the party’s governance and declared a historic win, claiming over 50% of the total wards. He congratulated party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. While acknowledging setbacks in smaller corporations like Phagwara, Arora declared the Akali Dal and BJP “wiped out” in the urban areas.

In contrast, Congress secured a significant lead in Amritsar (40 out of 85 wards) and emerged as the largest party in Phagwara, winning 22 out of 50 wards, despite no single party reaching a clear majority.

The elections were not without controversy. Opposition parties, BJP and SAD, alleged widespread instances of fake voting, particularly in Patiala, involving AAP supporters. These accusations included claims of outsiders interfering with the voting process and threats of self-immolation from a BJP candidate. The BJP also filed complaints against AAP MLAs for alleged violations of the model code of conduct. These allegations were denied by the AAP. The overall elections saw a significant contest with reports of scuffles and heated exchanges between party supporters.

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