Punjab Rural Poll Results Reflect People's Trust in AAP, Says Kejriwal

He explained that AAP won 67 per cent of block samiti seats and 72 per cent of zila parishad seats, translating into nearly 70 per cent of total rural seats across the state. File Photo.

Punjab Rural Poll Results Reflect People’s Trust in AAP, Says Kejriwal

Following the results of Punjab’s recent Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, which delivered a decisive endorsement of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), its national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, said that the outcome “reflects people’s trust” in the party and the governance model of the Bhagwant Mann government. The results were declared on Thursday, and AAP secured over 70 per cent of the rural seats in the state’s local body polls, a strong signal of pro-incumbency in predominantly agrarian regions.

Kejriwal was speaking at a press conference in Mohali and attributed this performance to the government’s “politics of work”, emphasising sustained efforts on issues such as the war against drugs (Yudh Nashe Virudh), irrigation reforms, reliable electricity, road construction, employment generation, education and healthcare. He said that although these local elections were seen as a barometer of public mood, the overwhelming mandate indicated that people were satisfied with the government’s performance and development work.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann provided detailed figures. He explained that AAP won 67 per cent of block samiti seats and 72 per cent of zila parishad seats, translating into nearly 70 per cent of total rural seats across the state. Mann emphasised that this massive support came despite expectations that opposition parties such as Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP would be a strong challenge in rural constituencies. He said that AAP won about 1,800 block samiti seats and 250 zila parishad seats, which was four times more than Congress, five times more than the Akali Dal and 20 times more than the BJP.

Kejriwal addressed allegations from the opposition about potential misuse of state machinery; he pointed to the distribution of closely fought seats, noting that of the 580 seats decided by margins under 100 votes, AAP won 261 while the opposition took 319, as evidence that the polls were free and fair.

Chief Minister Mann highlighted close opposition wins in places like Dhuri, Jhunir and Bharatgarh as further proof that the electoral process was transparent and credible.

According to political observers, the overwhelming AAP performance in Punjab’s rural local body elections highlights a significant political moment ahead of the next Assembly polls, suggesting that voters are rewarding developmental outcomes over traditional political loyalties.

Source: The Tribune