The Bharatiya Janata Party widened its lead over the opposition Congress in Rajasthan's municipal elections on Monday, winning 4,171 wards to the Congress's 3,597, according to results announced by election officials.
Election officials had announced results for 10,210 of the 10,244 wards that went to counting by 5:45 p.m, according to reports. Independents won 2,272 wards, underlining their influence across the state's municipal landscape.
The BJP secured clear majorities in several key municipal corporations. It won 53 of 80 wards in Udaipur, 45 of 70 in Bhilwara and 53 of 100 in Kota. The Congress, meanwhile, emerged victorious in Bikaner and was leading in Ajmer and Pali.
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The BJP narrowly outperformed the Congress in Jaipur and Alwar, while Jodhpur produced an even contest, with both parties winning 44 wards apiece. Independent candidates claimed the remaining 10 seats.
Bharatpur delivered a setback for the ruling party in Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's hometown. Independents won or led in 36 of the 65 wards, compared with 20 for the BJP and seven for the Congress. In Ajmer, the Congress won 37 wards, against the BJP's 32 and Independents' 11.
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In Pali, the Congress secured 29 wards, the BJP 21 and Independents 15. Pali is the hometown of BJP state president Madan Rathore. Other parties included the AAP with 42 wards, RLP with 63, CPI(M) with 38, BSP with 19 and BAP with eight.
Polling for 309 urban local bodies was held in two phases on September 9 and 11.
Mayors and chairpersons will be elected on September 21.
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