Godhra sends harmony message: Hindu independent candidate wins Muslim-majority ward

Her victory is being seen as a landmark moment in the town’s local political history, especially given Godhra’s often-cited communal past.

Muslim voters backed independent candidate

Despite not being a registered voter in Ward 7, Apekshaben Soni secured the trust of residents and won with a significant margin.

Observers say Muslim voters backed her by prioritising local governance and trust over traditional caste or religious voting lines.

The result has been hailed by many as a strong message of communal harmony and grassroots democracy.

BJP sweeps Gujarat’s urban polls

The result came amid a wider sweep by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across Gujarat’s urban local body elections.

The BJP retained control of all 15 municipal corporations, including a dominant performance in Ahmedabad, where it won 146 of 192 seats, while Congress managed 18.

In Surat, the BJP won 115 seats, reducing the Aam Aadmi Party to four. Similar victories were recorded in Rajkot and Vadodara, where the BJP won 65 seats each.