Akalis, BJP capture majority of MCs in Punjab

Chandigarh, Jun 30 (UNI) After being humiliated in the Gram Panchayat, Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls in Punjab last month, the opposition Congress was once again defeated by the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance in the Municipal Council/ Nagar Panchayat elections.

The elections to all the 95 MCs was held today amidst allegations by the Congress of booth capturing and intimidation of voters by the ruling alliance. Though there were reports of violence from all over the state, official sources at the headquarters here claimed that the polls passed off peaceful.

The SAD-BJP alliance claimed victories in 90 of the 95 MCs'/Nagar Panchayats, while the Congress claimed the party had made inroads into the urban support base of the alliance and had won from certain towns.

According to intial reports, the SAD-BJP won 13 of the MC seats in Gurdaspur, while the Congress could win just five and independents emerged victorious on three. SAD won six of the 13 seats to the Sri Hargobindpur MC where the Congress could win just one. Six seats went to independents.

The SAD-BJP alliance also captured the Dhariwal MC winning nine seats. The Congress and independents shared two seats each. However, the Congress captured the important Pathankot MC winning 17 of the 32 seats for which polls were held today. The BJP won 10 seats from here, while independents captured five.

In Dinanagar, the Congress won six seats, while five went to the BJP and two to independets. However, in Batala, the alliance captured 26 seats as compared to just six by the Congress. The Congress drew a blank in Dera Baba Nanak and Fatehgarh Churian.

The SAD-BJP alliance chalked out impressive victories in the border districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. The Congress was blanked out in Majithia, Ramdass and Ajnala, failing to win even a single seat. The alliance also captured the Jandiala and Rayya MCs.

In Tarn Taran district, the alliance won 14 seats in the Tarn Taran town MC. The Congress drew a blank here while independents won five seats. The alliance also captured the Patti MC, winning 12 seats. The Congress could win just two seats in Patti.

(Eds here picking up from accordingly from earlier series).

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