Punjab MC elections LIVE UPDATES: Stage set for semi-final as voting begins through ballot paper across municipal bodies
The local body polls hold significant reverence as they are being seen as the semi-final before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
May 26, 2026 08:54 AM
Specially-abled voter leaves after casting his vote in the Municipal Council elections in Majitha
May 26, 2026 08:53 AM
May 26, 2026 08:45 AM
Polling begins for 55 wards in Amritsar
Polling has commenced for 55 wards across five civic bodies in the district, with the ruling party already securing 12 seats unopposed following the scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations. The election process was initially announced for 67 seats in three municipal councils — Jandiala Guru, Majitha and Ramdas — along with two Nagar Panchayats, Ajnala and Rayya. After the nomination process concluded, eight candidates in Rayya, two in Jandiala Guru and two in Majitha were elected unopposed. Overall, 209 candidates are contesting the elections.
May 26, 2026 08:31 AM
32,000 police personnel and 35,000 election staff deployed
32,000 police personnel and 35,000 election staff to ensure free and fair elections at eight municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils and 20 nagar panchayats.
May 26, 2026 08:30 AM
AAP workers' high-handedness in Raikot Municipal Council
Congress candidate Jagga Gill allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons ahead of voting, condition remains critical
One of Jagga Gill’s associates was also injured in the attack.
Jagga Gill is contesting from Ward No. 4
May 26, 2026 08:23 AM
Shiromani Akali Dal seeks longer voting hours
Shiromani Akali Dal has asked the State Election Commission to extend polling hours. Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the voting time should be changed from 8 am–5 pm to 7 am–6 pm.
May 26, 2026 08:22 AM
May 26, 2026 08:20 AM
Voting to be held at six places in Mohali today
695 candidates in the fray across 166 wards, 4.80 lakh voters in the district; results to be announced on May 29
May 26, 2026 08:19 AM
7,555 candidates in the fray
Out of the 7,555 candidates contesting the elections, 1,801 are from the Aam Aadmi Party, 1,550 belong to the Indian National Congress, 1,316 are fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party, 1,251 represent the Shiromani Akali Dal, and 96 are from the Bahujan Samaj Party. In addition, 1,528 candidates are contesting as Independents. Authorities rejected the nomination papers of 713 candidates during the scrutiny process. The voter base comprises 18,33,712 men, 17,11,635 women, and 220 voters registered under the “other” category.
May 26, 2026 08:13 AM
Voting across 105 municipal bodies to take place through ballot paper
May 26, 2026 08:13 AM
35L voters to seal fate of 7,555 candidates
Punjab MC elections LIVE UPDATES: Voting for Punjab’s municipal bodies is underway, and the results will be announced on May 29 after counting of votes. Election campaigning ended on Sunday, with rallies and public meetings banned.
The municipal corporation elections are being held in Abohar, Barnala, Batala, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Moga, Pathankot, and Mohali. Elections in the Hoshiarpur municipal corporation are also due as the revision process for electoral rolls was yet to be completed.
The local body polls hold significant reverence as they are being seen as the semi-final before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal has asked the State Election Commission to extend polling hours. Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the voting time should be changed from 8 am–5 pm to 7 am–6 pm.
Cheema said the state is facing extreme heat, which could reduce voter turnout. He added that extending voting hours by two hours in the morning and evening would help increase participation. He also said the current timing is not suitable for labourers, as many may not be able to vote because of work commitments.
Key election details
Total candidates contesting: 7,555
AAP candidates: 1,801
Congress candidates: 1,550
BJP candidates: 1,316
Shiromani Akali Dal candidates: 1,251
BSP candidates: 96
Election coverage
Municipal Corporations: 8
Municipal Councils: 76
Municipal Panchayats: 21
Polling Stations: 3,977