Jammu, March 2 -- In district panchayats and taluka panchayats, the ruling BJP posted gains in the Gujrat muncipal election, leading in most of the 81 municipalities that voted on Sunday and creating a wide gap with its closest competitor, the Congress. The party hopes to continue its good run in local body polls held over the last few weeks in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, ahead of elections due next year.

The BJP was ahead in 67 of 81 municipalities as votes were counted, with the Congress gaining in two and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opening its account with one seat.

Of 31 district panchayats, the BJP is leading in 30 and others are yet to register. The BJP is leading in 158 of 231 taluka panchayat...