Wed Dec 17 07:01:31 UTC 2025: Summary:
The article reports on the vote counting process for the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in Punjab, India, held on December 14, 2025. The elections saw a voter turnout of 48% with over 9,000 candidates competing for positions in 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis. All major political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP, participated. The Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal had previously accused the ruling AAP of electoral malpractices and obstructing their candidates.
News Article:
Punjab Awaits Results as Vote Counting Begins in Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Elections
Chandigarh, India – December 17, 2025 – Vote counting is underway across Punjab for the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections held on December 14th. Security is tight as officials oversee the process at designated centers throughout the state. The elections saw a 48% voter turnout, with over 9,000 candidates vying for positions in the local governing bodies.
These elections encompass 347 zones across 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones within 153 panchayat samitis. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP all fielded candidates, contesting the elections on party symbols.
The lead-up to the elections was marked by controversy. The Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal accused the ruling AAP of engaging in electoral malpractices and preventing their candidates from filing nominations. The Bhagwant Mann government has faced accusations of misusing government machinery to hinder opposition participation. The results of the vote count are expected to shed light on the political landscape and power dynamics within Punjab’s local governance.
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