In Gurugram, BJP candidate Raj Rani emerged victorious with a commanding lead, obtaining 2,15,754 votes against Congress's Seema Pahuja, who garnered 65,764 votes. This decisive win highlights the BJP's stronghold in the city. Similarly, in Rohtak, a traditional bastion of the Congress, BJP's Ram Avtar Valmiki secured the mayoral seat by a margin of 45,198 votes, marking a significant inroad for the party in the region.
The BJP's dominance extended to other municipal corporations, with its candidates leading in Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar, and Sirsa. The Congress, which had anticipated a resurgence following the 2024 Assembly elections, faced setbacks, particularly in areas considered its strongholds.
An exception to the BJP's sweep was observed in Manesar, where Independent candidate Dr. Inderjit Yadav clinched the mayoral position, defeating BJP's Sunder Lal by 2,293 votes. Dr. Yadav secured 26,393 votes, while Lal received 24,100 votes.
These municipal elections were the first significant electoral test for both the BJP and Congress following the 2024 Haryana Legislative Assembly elections. In that assembly poll, the BJP secured a majority with 48 seats, while the Congress obtained 37 seats. The recent civic poll outcomes further consolidate the BJP's position in the state, reflecting continued voter confidence in its governance.
The voter turnout for these municipal elections was notably high, indicating robust public engagement in local governance. Political analysts suggest that the BJP's success can be attributed to its focused urban development policies and effective grassroots mobilization. Conversely, the Congress's inability to reclaim urban centers points to challenges in reconnecting with the urban electorate.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who assumed office in March 2024, expressed gratitude to the voters for reaffirming their trust in the BJP. He reiterated the party's commitment to accelerating urban development projects and enhancing civic amenities across Haryana. Saini's leadership has been pivotal in steering the party to successive electoral victories, reinforcing the BJP's dominance in the state.
The Congress party, on the other hand, is poised to introspect and recalibrate its strategy to regain footing in Haryana's political landscape. The municipal election results serve as a critical indicator of the party's current disconnect with urban voters, necessitating a comprehensive review of its policies and outreach programs.