By Mukesh 
The upcoming local body elections in Gujarat are set to test shifting voter dynamics, with the State’s political landscape inching towards a three-cornered contest. Even before polling, 733 seats, the majority of them held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been decided uncontested after the withdrawal of nominations. The outcome is expected to serve as an early indicator of shifting political dynamics ahead of the Assembly election due in 2027.
Last week, the State Election Commission said 43 seats across 15 municipal corporations were won unopposed. In nagarpalikas (municipalities), 385 seats saw no contest, while 51 seats in district panchayats and 251 in taluka panchayats were also decided without voting. Elections will now be held for the remaining seats across 15 municipal corporations, including Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot, along with 84 nagarpalikas, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats. Polling is scheduled for April 26, with counting on April 28.