AAP takes early lead in Punjab municipal election results

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party appeared headed for a strong showing in Punjab’s municipal elections as vote counting continued Thursday across the state.

According to results available by 6 p.m. local time, the Aam Aadmi Party had won 880 wards and was leading in several others. Congress was in second place with 354 ward victories as of 5 p.m., while the Shiromani Akali Dal had secured 175 wards and the Bharatiya Janata Party had won 146 wards. Independent candidates won 245 wards.

In Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s constituency of Dhuri, the Aam Aadmi Party won 20 of 21 seats, according to the reported results.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia thanked voters and said the results reflected public support for party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership. Sisodia also claimed that security deposits of 1,142 BJP candidates had been forfeited. The claim had not been independently verified at publication time.

The municipal election results are being closely watched as an indicator of political support for major parties in Punjab ahead of future provincial and national contests. Final certified results were still being compiled Thursday evening.