Maharashtra: Local Body Polls Likely Soon As State Election Commission Issues Key Directions To Government
Pune, PCMC Set for Civic Polls as Four-Member Ward Structure Gets Official Nod
The State Election Commission has issued important directives to the Maharashtra government regarding the delimitation of wards for the upcoming local body elections. This development suggests that the announcement for these elections could happen soon. A few days ago, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had indicated that the elections might be held around September or October.
In line with the Supreme Court’s directive to issue a notification within four weeks, the State Election Commission has initiated preparations for the local body polls. The Commission has instructed the state government to complete the ward delimitation process.
The responsibility for finalizing the ward structure lies with the state government. Once the ward delimitation details are submitted to the Commission, the process for finalizing reservations and voter lists will begin. Reports suggest that the preliminary work on delimitation is in its final stages and is likely to be submitted to the Commission within this week.
During the tenure of the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, the authority to delimit wards had been retained by the government itself. However, the current directive from the State Election Commission now mandates the government to complete this process.
Last month, the Supreme Court had clearly directed that the election process for municipal corporations, municipalities, district councils, panchayat samitis, and nagar panchayats in the state must be completed within four months. Additionally, the notification must be issued within four weeks.
