Gujarat Election Result 2026 Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi praises BJP showing as AAP highlights improved performance
The recent elections have delivered a split verdict for prominent leaders from the BJP, Congress and AIMIM. While some heavyweights extended their winning streaks, others faced unexpected defeats. Key wards saw close contests and surprising outcomes. Party loyalties and local factors played a huge role
TOP 5 HEAVYWEIGHT WINNERS
DEVANG DANI: Key BJP leader, Devang Dani, secured his third consecutive win from Bodakdev ward. First elected in 2015, he won in 2021 and again in 2026. Dani has previously served as chairman of both the town planning committee and the standing committee, and is once again being considered for a key post. He is associated with the RSS and is considered a trusted ally of chief minister Bhupendra Patel.
HITESH BAROT: BJP’s Hitesh Barot retained his Thaltej seat, marking his second straight victory. Having served as a standing committee chairman from 2021 to 2023, Barot is now being seen as a strong contender in the race for mayor. He is regarded as a close associate of Union home minister and Gandhinagar MP Amit Shah.
JAINIK VAKIL: One of the biggest surprises came from Paldi ward, where Jainik Vakil won on a BJP ticket after being fielded at the last moment. Initially, Ashish Shah was declared the candidate, but Vakil replaced him on the final day of nominations. Vakil, who also won in 2021, has previously served as the revenue committee chairman, and is being viewed as a potential contender for the standing committee chairman’s role.
MUSTAK KHADIWALA: In Jamalpur ward, Mustak Khadiwala made a successful return to Congress. Initially elected as a Congress councillor in 2010, he left the party in 2015 and later won as an AIMIM candidate in 2021. Ahead of the 2026 elections, he rejoined Congress and contested from Jamalpur, winning his third term as a councillor. Khadiwala is considered an influential leader within the Muslim Chhipa community in the area.
SHEHZAD KHAN PATHAN: From Danilimda ward, Congress leader Shehzad Khan Pathan continued his winning streak, securing victory for the fourth time. Elected for the first time in 2010, Pathan went on to win elections in 2015, 2021 and 2026. He served as the leader of opposition in the Ahmedabad civic body for four years during the previous term. Despite a drop in voter numbers in the ward due to factors such as the Chandola lake demolition and SIRrelated changes, he retained his seat due to local support.
