September 27, 2025 07:00 AM IST First published on: Sep 27, 2025 at 07:00 AM ISTBacked by a popular wave, the Akali Dal (L) was firmly set for a massive victory in the Punjab elections after capturing 47 of the 72 Vidhan Sabha seats, the which results for which have been declared, and establishing a lead over its rivals in other constituencies. The Congress-I captured 17 seats and the BJP secured two.Cong ReactionThe Congress (I) has attributed the success of the Akali Dal to the latter having a better programme and better candidates. Asked about the secret of the Akali Dal’s superior performance, the newly appointed AlCC-I general secretary, Jitendra Prasad, who has been made the party’s official spokesman, told newsmen in New Delhi that what was important was that the extremists and the anti-national elements had been defeated.AdvertisementBarnala on PollsCommenting on the election results, Surjit Singh Barnala, acting president of the Akali Dal (L), thanked the people of Punjab for “throwing off the yoke of a dark period”. Barnala said Punjabis had paid homage to the late Harchand Singh Longowal by voting the Akali Dal to power. “A tremendous responsibility has been placed on us at a very sensitive phase. We will work tirelessly.”Kota ClashMore than a dozen people are reported to have died in the Jawar police station area in Jhalawar district on Thursday in a clash between two communities belonging to two villages. According to reports, the clash took place over a dispute about the harvesting of crops. The deputy inspector-general of police, Kota range, Shantanu Kumar, and the collector, Umrao Salodia, along with a strong police force, have rushed to the villages.