The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recorded a sweeping victory in Gujarat’s local body elections, winning all 15 municipal corporations across the state and reinforcing its dominance in urban governance.

The results underline the party’s strong grip in key cities, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot, where it secured overwhelming majorities and left opposition parties far behind.

In Ahmedabad, the BJP won 146 out of 192 seats, while the Congress lagged significantly with just a handful of seats. Similar trends were seen in other major cities, where the ruling party maintained a clear lead.

The most notable political shift emerged in Surat, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a sharp decline. After making gains in the previous election, AAP managed to secure only four seats this time, while the BJP surged ahead with 115 seats, effectively ending AAP’s position as a strong urban challenger in the city.

Across Rajkot and Vadodara as well, the BJP posted dominant performances, winning large seat shares and keeping the Congress confined to limited numbers.

Overall, the results reflect a broader trend of BJP consolidation not only in urban centres but also across local governance structures. The party also performed strongly in municipalities, district panchayats and taluka panchayats, though opposition parties retained small pockets of support in some rural areas.

The outcome is being seen as a significant political boost for the BJP in its traditional stronghold, while raising concerns for opposition parties struggling to expand their base in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed strong confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government in West Bengal after the ongoing Assembly elections, stating that he plans to return for the oath-taking ceremony.

Addressing a rally during the final phase of campaigning, the Prime Minister said he would come back to the state after the declaration of results to attend the swearing-in of the BJP government.

Confidence ahead of results

The remarks came during his last campaign event, where he indicated optimism about the party’s electoral performance. The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4.

He told the gathering that the enthusiasm and public support witnessed during his campaign tours had strengthened his belief that the BJP would secure a mandate in the state.

Campaign concludes amid high political stakes

The Prime Minister’s statement underscores the high-stakes political battle in West Bengal, where the BJP is aiming to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress. The election has seen intense campaigning from all major parties, with voter turnout remaining high in earlier phases.

The West Bengal Assembly elections are being held in multiple phases, with counting set to determine the next government in the state.

Raghav Chadha has defended his decision to leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that a “toxic work environment” within his former party forced him to take the step.

In a video shared on Instagram, the Rajya Sabha MP addressed criticism over his political switch and said the internal atmosphere in AAP had deteriorated significantly over time.

‘Stopped from working and speaking’

Chadha claimed that he and others were unable to function effectively within the party, alleging that leaders were restricted from expressing themselves or carrying out their responsibilities.

He said the environment had become increasingly difficult, adding that it was no longer possible for him to contribute meaningfully under such conditions.

Decision after years of association

The politician, who had been associated with AAP since its early days, said he had devoted a significant part of his life to the party but felt it had changed over the years. Reports indicate he highlighted that the organisation was not the same as when he joined it.

Chadha also suggested that his decision was not impulsive but taken after careful consideration of available options, including staying back or leaving politics altogether.

Response to backlash

The move has triggered strong reactions from political circles and supporters, with criticism emerging over his switch to the BJP. However, Chadha defended his choice, pointing to internal challenges and a lack of space to work within AAP.

He further argued that multiple leaders leaving the party should prompt reflection, questioning whether all of them could be wrong.

Political impact

Chadha’s exit is part of a larger development where several AAP leaders have shifted to the BJP, significantly altering the party’s strength in the Rajya Sabha.

The development has intensified political tensions between the two parties, with AAP criticising the defections and BJP welcoming the new entrants.