Decision On Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Today: Nitin Kareer, Rajiv Jalota, And Rajgopal Devara In Race
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Mumbai: The post of Maharashtra State Election Commissioner has remained vacant since UPS Madan retired in September, and the selection of a new commissioner has been delayed for several months. On Thursday, a cabinet meeting has been convened to finalize the appointment of the new State Election Commissioner.
Following a resounding victory in the Assembly elections, the ruling coalition is now focusing on local self-governance elections, which are being planned before the monsoon. The responsibility of conducting these elections lies with the State Election Commissioner, making the appointment of a new commissioner a priority.
The government initiated the selection process for the post prior to the Assembly elections. Among the contenders are former Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer, former Chairman of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) Rajiv Jalota, Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning Department Rajgopal Devara, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical Education Department Dinesh Waghmare, along with several other senior IAS officers.
Efforts are underway to capitalize on the public mandate seen in the Assembly elections by expediting the local body elections. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions regarding reservation issues on January 22. The appointment of the State Election Commissioner is expected before this hearing.
The cabinet meeting will finalize a recommendation for the new commissioner, which will then be sent to the Governor for approval.
