Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on
Tuesday thanked the people of Gujarat for making a ‘new political beginning’ as
results of civic polls, held on February 21, showed the Aam Aadmi Party making
unexpected gains. By 5 pm, results were
declared for 451 seats out of 576 seats. The BJP won 367 seats, Congress 58,
AAP 27, BSP 3 and others 4.

The AAP was the second largest party in Surat winning 27 seats. The BJP bagged 93 seats and the Congress failed to open account. These municipal polls are being seen as a precursor to the Assembly elections due in the state next year.

“Hearty congratulations to the people of Gujarat for initiating a new political beginning,” Kejriwal tweeted as results started pouring in. Kejriwal added that he would visit Gujarat and hold a roadshow in Surat on February 26.

Also Read | Three men arrested for allegedly duping Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter of Rs 34,000

AAP workers came out on the streets of Surat to celebrate the big gains. “The people of Gujarat have reposed their faith in the Aam Aadmi Party and we have opened our account with a big number. Especially in Surat, the AAP is about to occupy the space of the Opposition. This is a very big win for us,” AAP leader Gulab Singh tols CNN News 18.

The BJP was seen gaining big leads in all six civic body elections, set to retain all of them. An enthused Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted, “By hand a big victory, Gujarat has once again proved that the state is the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party.” He called it a victory for the people of Gujarat.

Voting for the elections was held on Sunday and the average voter turnout was 42%. Polling was conducted amid tight security and in adherence to COVID-19 norms.