Vote counting for the Punjab Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections began on Tuesday amid delays, protests, and heavy security across the state. While counting started at several centres from 8 am, multiple locations witnessed disruptions and late starts, triggering political tension.
In Malout, vote counting had not begun till the latest update, with Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur present at the counting centre. Patiala witnessed chaos even before counting started, as BJP workers accused police of blocking polling agents and alleged counting began without proper representation. Similar scenes unfolded in Ludhiana, where candidates were reportedly forced out of the KVM School counting centre, leading to protests.
Counting progressed smoothly in Pathankot, where votes for 93 Block Samiti and 10 Zila Parishad seats are being tallied under strict police arrangements. In Amritsar, strong rooms were opened and counting began across 26 tables, with first-round results expected within an hour. Talwandi Sabo also reported a peaceful start to counting.
Statewide, 154 counting centres have been set up at 141 locations. Over 10,500 staff and 141 micro-observers have been deployed to ensure transparency. Results will decide 347 Zila Parishad and 2,838 Block Samiti seats, seen as a political semi-final ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
