Chandigarh | December 17, 2025
Counting of votes for the Punjab Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections began on Wednesday morning, marking a crucial political moment ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. Early trends indicate that the Congress party has taken an initial lead in parts of Ludhiana district, setting the tone for a closely watched contest.
The counting exercise is underway at 154 centres across 141 locations in the state, with results expected late into the night due to the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines.
Ballot-Based Counting Slows the Process officials Brace for Late Results according to officials from the State Election Commission, the manual counting process is expected to take longer than usual. Unlike recent elections conducted through EVMs, these rural body polls were held using traditional ballot papers, significantly increasing the time required for verification and tabulation.Election authorities have deployed additional staff and security arrangements to ensure smooth counting and maintain law and order at all centres.
Political Temperature Rises During Counting opposition Alleges ObstructionEven as counting began, political tensions surfaced in several districts. Opposition parties accused ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders of attempting to obstruct polling agents from reaching counting centres.In Patiala, workers from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alleged that their polling agents were stopped on Nabha Road. The administration, however, maintained that adequate arrangements were in place and urged political parties to avoid spreading misinformation.
Why These Elections MatterA Prelude to the 2027 Assembly BattleWith Punjab’s Assembly elections less than 14 months away, the rural local body polls are being seen as a semi-final of sorts. Unlike village panchayat elections, political parties contested these polls on their official symbols, turning them into a direct test of party strength at the grassroots level.Political analysts believe the results will influence party strategies, alliances, and leadership decisions in the coming months.
Over 9,000 Candidates in the FraySeats at StakeThe fate of more than 9,000 candidates will be decided through today’s counting. These include:347 Zila Parishad seats2,838 Panchayat Samiti seatsEarly trends from Ludhiana suggest a competitive contest, with Congress showing momentum in Panchayat Samiti segments, while other parties are closely trailing.
Live Trends and UpdatesKey Developments So FarEarly leads reported in LudhianaCounting underway in districts like Ferozepur and PatialaNo official final results declared yetHeavy security presence at counting centresElection officials are expected to release consolidated results district-wise once the counting concludes.
What to Watch NextAs the day progresses, clearer trends will emerge from rural Punjab, offering insights into voter sentiment and shifting political loyalties. Whether the early advantage for Congress translates into a broader victory remains to be seen, especially as counting advances in politically sensitive regions.