In a resounding electoral triumph, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reaffirmed its political supremacy in Gujarat by securing a dominant victory in the local body elections held on February 16, 2025. The ruling party clinched control of the Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC), along with 60 out of 68 municipalities and all three taluka panchayats—Gandhinagar, Kapadvanj, and Kathlal.
The BJP’s strong performance further weakened the Congress, as it wrested control of 15 municipalities previously held by its rival. The Congress managed to retain only one municipality, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) made modest inroads, securing two.
This election marked the first implementation of the 27% quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies, a policy introduced by the Gujarat government in 2023. Despite the new reservation framework, BJP maintained its stronghold in key regions, including Junagadh, where it secured 48 out of 60 seats, leaving Congress with just 11 and an independent candidate with one.
Continuing its winning streak from the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where it won 25 of 26 seats, the BJP’s latest victory cements its grip on the state’s political landscape. The Congress struggled to make an impact, with its lone success coming in Salaya municipality, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged as a strong contender, securing 13 out of 28 seats.
Additionally, the BJP unseated the Congress in key municipalities such as Radhanpur, Mahudha, and Rajula. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party, under Gujarat MLA Kandhal Jadeja’s leadership, gained a foothold by capturing the Kutiyana municipality.
In five municipalities—Mangrol, Dakor, Anklav, Chhotaudepur, and Vavla—no clear majority emerged, leading to a fragmented mandate. With this landslide victory, the BJP has further solidified its position in Gujarat, setting the stage for a strong campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.