Gujarat’s recent local body elections have expectedly witnessed contrasting fortunes for the Congress and BJP. The Congress has seen a sharp fall in support, failing to win seats in some crucial locations, while the BJP registered landslide wins in many municipalities, including Odh, Halol, and Karjan.
The BJP’s stronghold is further evidenced by emphatic victories in the districts of Mahisagar and Panchmahal, where it secured majorities without the need for coalitions, further cementing its position. On the other hand, Congress’s decline is most noticeable in Anand and Vadodara, where it not only had difficulty establishing itself but also suffered abject defeats in several towns. It’s confirmation, though not needed anymore, that the BJP continues to flex its electoral muscles in key regions while the Congress is still struggling with dwindling support in its old bastions.
The Congress also took a serious hit in Central Gujarat, losing 11 municipalities, including a complete wipeout in Anklav, once home to former GPCC President Amit Chavda. The Congress lost eight seats in Chhota Udepur, where it had historically held sway, to only one seat, in part because key politicians defected to the BJP.
Once a Congress bastion, Kheda saw the party lose support, only gaining a few seats in the municipalities of Mehmadabad, Dakor, and Mahuda. In many of these regions, including Mehmadabad, the BJP witnessed a resounding majority.
While the Congress did not win any seats in Anklav, the BJP won all 24 seats in Anand after sweeping Odh Municipality. The BJP also achieved victories in the Mahisagar district, including a majority win in Lunawada municipality after nine years.
Strong BJP performances were also seen in Panchmahal, Dahod, and Vadodara, while the Congress suffered heavy defeats in important towns. The BJP’s control over Central Gujarat was further cemented as their dominance spread to Halol, Kalol, and other regions.
The state’s ruling party secured a resounding majority with 19 of 28 seats in the Karjan municipality of Vadodara district, where the BJP was vying for pride and prestige following the defection of 16 of its current corporators to run as AAP candidates.
The results of the most recent election show that the Congress is still losing ground in Gujarat, where it has historically been a force to reckon with but not anymore.
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