Punjab MC Elections 2026: Big Battle for 105 Local Bodies, Voting on May 26, Results on May 29

The political temperature in Punjab has reached its peak as the State Election Commission officially announced the schedule for the long-awaited Municipal Corporation and local body elections. As of May 15, 2026, the state is under the strict Model Code of Conduct, with all major political parties AAP, Congress, SAD, and BJP gearing up for a high-stakes showdown. This election is being viewed as a mid-term litmus test for the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, covering 8 Municipal Corporations, 76 Municipal Councils, and 21 Nagar Panchayats.Key Election Dates: Mark Your CalendarsThe State Election Commissioner, Raj Kamal Chaudhari, outlined a crisp timeline for the electoral process. The nomination window, which opened on May 13, is set to close tomorrow, May 16, 2026. Following the scrutiny of papers on May 18, candidates will have until May 19 to withdraw their names. The final battle at the booths will take place on Sunday, May 26, with the fate of candidates being revealed during the counting of votes on May 29, 2026.Historical First: AAP Fields Transgender CandidateIn a move that has captured national headlines, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a significant step toward inclusive politics by fielding a transgender candidate for the first time in these local body polls. Mahi Mahant, contesting from Ward Number 20, has promised to prioritize basic amenities like sanitation, clean water, and street lighting, while also championing the rights of the transgender community. This progressive move has forced rival parties to rethink their traditional candidate selection strategies.Political Maneuvering: Congress and AAP Announce CandidatesThe race for seats has seen intense activity over the last 24 hours. In Jaito, the Aam Aadmi Party has already announced 13 candidates out of 17 wards, while the Congress party has retaliated by releasing its list of 15 candidates for the Bhawanigarh Municipal Council. With only 24 hours left for nominations to close, party offices across Moga, Bathinda, and Amritsar are buzzing with last-minute entries. The focus remains on local issues, but the undercurrent of state-level anti-incumbency and administrative performance is undeniable.The Road Ahead for 105 Local BodiesThese elections are critical as they have been pending for several months in many districts. From Moga, which is finally set to get a permanent Mayor after a long hiatus, to the industrial hubs like Ludhiana and Jalandhar, the 2026 civic polls will decide the urban development trajectory of Punjab for the next five years. With heavy security deployment and electronic voting machines (EVMs) ready, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting process on May 26.