Vadodara, April 26 (IANS) Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan, along with his family, cast his vote in the Gujarat local body elections on Sunday, while making remarks asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to remain in power in the state for decades, citing public preference and governance as key factors.

Speaking after casting his vote, Pathan said, “I will say that the BJP cannot be removed from power in Gujarat for the next 40–50 years. Whatever it is, facts are facts. The reality is that the party which is strong, works for the people, and is liked by them continues to stay in power. Across India, in different states, the parties that people support and feel are working for them are the ones they prefer and vote for.”

He further added, “My response is that people here like the BJP and vote for it based on development, so the BJP will continue to remain in power in Gujarat. Similarly, in West Bengal, the TMC party is preferred by the people because it raises their voices and works among the public.”

Referring to voter turnout patterns in West Bengal, Pathan said, “If these 92 lakh voters are included, the turnout would still remain around 80–81 per cent. There is no special ‘magic’ in the numbers; it is simply a matter of calculation and percentage adjustment.”

His remarks come as Gujarat is witnessing widespread local body elections across municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayati raj institutions.

According to official arrangements, polling is being conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the state, with counting scheduled for April 28.

The exercise covers nearly 10,000 seats and involves over 4 crore registered voters.

Voting is underway in key urban centres, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and other districts, with thousands of polling stations operational under multi-tier security arrangements.

Election authorities have also deployed large police contingents, quick response teams and digital monitoring systems to oversee the process.

In Nadiad, BJP MLA and Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida cast his vote at Kamla Primary School.

After voting, he said, “Today I cast my vote in my village. I request everyone to come forward and vote.”

–IANS

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