Punjab civic polls: 61.5% voter turnout amid scuffles
The local body elections in Punjab saw around 61.5% voter turnout till 5 p.m. on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), amid reports of scuffles between supporters
The local body elections in Punjab saw around 61.5% voter turnout till 5 p.m. on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), amid reports of scuffles between supporters of political parties, including the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party in multiple locations in the State. The opposition parties levelled allegations of booth capturing at several places in the polls that were conducted via ballot paper instead of EVMs. The poll results are scheduled for May 29.
The polling percentage, however, is likely to go up slightly after final figures are computed, said a State Election Commission official in Chandigarh. In Patiala’s Samana, clashes erupted between police and crowds, with stone-pelting reported from both sides. In Ludhiana’s Raikot, a Congress candidate was allegedly assaulted with his limbs broken, while aerial firing was reported in Bathinda. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, “Widespread reports of violence have emerged across Punjab, particularly in Majitha, Samana, Bathinda, Gidderbaha, and Raikot, by AAP goons during today’s civic polls.
This violence is aimed at killing democracy at the grassroots level.” Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, “The violence, intimidation and pressure tactics being witnessed across Punjab during these elections are deeply shameful and completely unacceptable in a democracy. I strongly demand strict action against every person involved in these attacks and acts of lawlessness, irrespective of political affiliation.” He alleged that Punjab was being pushed towards political hooliganism and an atmosphere of fear.
“When people start rejecting AAP, they resort to intimidation instead of accountability. Punjab is watching everything. The people of Punjab will give a strong democratic reply in 2027,” he said. Elections were held in 1,896 wards across eight municipal corporations, including Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala, and Pathankot, besides 75 municipal councils and 20 Nagar Panchayats.
The BriefWire