Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday claimed that SAD-BJP-supported candidates had recorded a "thumping and overwhelming victory" in the panchayat elections.
Claiming that the panchayat polls were "fair and peaceful", the chief minister said it was a "powerful triumph" of grassroots democracy in the state.
While hailing the people of the state "for reposing complete faith and confidence in the policies and programmes of the SAD-BJP government", Badal said: "I am so touched by the overwhelming mandate they have given to the alliance again."
The CM, in a statement, said: "This is the outcome of people's unflinching faith in the policies and programmes of the alliance government.''
Meanwhile, Badal appealed to the newly-elected sarpanches and panches to work collectively with utmost dedication, sincerity and commitment for ensuring overall development of villages and prosperity of the people.