The ruling BJP continued its winning performance even after the Assembly polls as the saffron brigade won elections of at least 47 out of 75 municipalities that went to the polls across the State.
The elections of the 75 municipalities were held in 22 out of 33 districts in the State. like in Assembly, however, saw a minor dent in its base as it had last time held 59 of these 75 municipalities when the elections were last held in the year 2013. However, compared to 2017 elections, it seems to have made a mild comeback.
BJP, that had won 117 Assembly seats of the 182 in 2012, had last year slipped below 100 by winning 99 seats. Congress on the other hand had raised its tally in the Assembly from 54 in 2012 to 77 in 2017. The Congress, on the other hand, saw an increase in its fortunes by winning majority in 22 of the 75 municipalities, compared to six last time. While there was a tie between Congress and BJP on three of the municipalities, The six urban bodies have gone in favour of independents and others.
The voting for the semi-urban municipalities took place on February 17. Elections were held for two district panchayats, 17 Taluka Panchayats and 1423 Gram Panchayats, simultaneously. The villagers in 295 gram panchayats chose their 'sarpanch' unanimously. The other positive for BJP in the state is that it has been able to retain majority hold on municipalities since early 1990s.
According Gujarat BJP president Jitu Vaghani, out of the 2116 seats, BJP fielded 1979 candidates. Of these candidates 1212 comfortably emerged victorious, added Vaghani.