Polling is currently taking place across Gujarat, India, for 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats. This marks the first local election since the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll, which has been marred by allegations of pressure leading to the withdrawal of numerous opposition candidates. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already secured 736 seats unopposed, a notable rise from 220 in 2021 and 37 in 2015. The elections are crucial as they occur just a year before the 2027 assembly elections, where the BJP aims to maintain its long-standing power since 1995. Voter turnout has been slow, with 15.1% reported for municipal corporations by late morning. The elections also introduce new reservation policies, including 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 50% for women. Prominent candidates include former police officer M L Ninama and cricketer Ravindra Jadeja’s sister, Nainaba. Votes will be counted on April 28, with re-polling on April 27 if necessary.