Gujarat is witnessing a crucial political moment as counting of votes for the 2026 local body elections began on Tuesday under tight security across the state. The large-scale electoral exercise, held on April 26 and 27, covered 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, and over 200 district and taluka panchayats.
These elections, the first since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saw varied voter participation, with rural areas recording stronger turnout than urban centres. Municipal corporations reported a turnout of 55.1 per cent, while municipalities saw 65.53 per cent. Participation rose further in district panchayats at 66.64 per cent and peaked at 67.26 per cent in taluka panchayats.
The counting process is being conducted at 382 centres, with over 28,240 personnel deployed to ensure smooth operations. To maintain law and order, more than 33,750 police personnel have been stationed across the state.
More than 9,200 seats are being contested, although a significant number were decided unopposed. The Bharatiya Janata Party has already secured over 700 seats uncontested, giving it a strong early advantage. The Indian National Congress has raised concerns over these uncontested wins, alleging candidate withdrawals due to intimidation and inducements. However, the State Election Commission has stated that such cases were largely limited to municipalities and nagar palikas.
Surat, Gujarat: Vote counting for Surat Municipal Corporation elections in Gujarat is underway with 483 candidates contesting 120 seats. Strong security is deployed at Gandhi Engineering College pic.twitter.com/oaYNKzIrRB
— IANS (@ians_india) April 28, 2026
The main contest is centred around the BJP, Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen has fielded candidates in select constituencies. The elections are particularly significant as they follow the increase in OBC reservation in local bodies from 10 per cent to 27 per cent, a factor expected to influence voting patterns.
#WATCH | Gujarat: All preparations are in place for the counting of votes today for Gujarat local body elections. Visuals from a counting centre in Ahmedabad.
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2026
Elections were held on Sunday, 26th April. pic.twitter.com/JT0r5gfI0F
Key municipal corporations in the fray include Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Surat Municipal Corporation, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, and Rajkot Municipal Corporation. Prominent candidates include M L Ninama, Abha Desai, and Bhupendra Bhayani.
With the BJP expected to dominate, attention is now on the opposition's performance and whether it can make meaningful inroads. The final results, expected later today, will offer a clearer picture of Gujarat's grassroots political landscape.
