Junagadh/Gandhinagar: Junagadh Municipal Corporation has seen return of ruling BJP to power with overwhelming majority on a day when a virtual ‘saffron-wash’ is visible during the counting of JMC poll and that of by-polls on 43 of Taluka, 5 of District Panchayats and one of Gandhinagar Muncipal Corporation.

By 1130 am today, during the counting of JMC election that was held on July 21 amid rains, BJP has won 48 of the total 60 seats and has easily crossed the half way mark of 31. BJP was the ruling party in the urban local body like the other seven Municipal Corporations of Gujarat.

BJP cadres and leader were dancing and celebrating on the tunes of drum beats near the counting center in Junagadh Agriculture University as the party has so won almost all the seats. Congress has so far one just one seat while NCP could not open their account till 1130 am.

During the JMC poll 49.68% of the total 2.38 lakh had cast vote across 277 polling booths. Three of the total 60 seats (of ward number 3 while one remained vacant) were already won unopposed by the BJP. There were a total of 159 candidates in the fray for remaining 56 seats.

By-elections were also held for the 49 seats of various taluka and district panchayats and one seat of the ward number 3 of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation the same day.

Till 1130 am, BJP had won 23 of the 43 taluka seats, congress had won only seven while three were won by others. The ruling BJP has won all the five district panchayat seats and was leading in the GMC by-poll on one ward.

DeshGujarat