Maharashtra: State Election Commission Announces Zilla Parishad Election Dates; Voting On February 5, Results On February 7
Maharashtra: State Election Commission Announces Zilla Parishad Election Dates; Voting On February 5, Results On February 7
Mumbai | January 13, 2026: The Maharashtra State Election Commission has finally announced the long-awaited election schedule for Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The first phase will cover 12 districts, including Pune, and will also trigger the Model Code of Conduct with immediate effect. These elections are being held in districts where reservation does not exceed 50 percent, as directed by the courts.
Speaking at a press conference, the State Election Commissioner confirmed that elections will be held for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis, and that the polling and counting dates have been finalised.
Key Dates
- Nomination filing:Â January 16 to January 21
- Scrutiny of nominations:Â January 22
- Last date for withdrawal:Â January 27
- Final list of candidates & symbol allotment:Â January 27 (after 3:30 PM)
- Voting:Â February 5 (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Counting of votes:Â February 7 (from 10:00 AM onwards)
Districts Going To Polls In Phase 1
Elections in the first phase will be conducted in the following districts:
- Pune
- Satara
- Sangli
- Kolhapur
- Solapur
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
- Raigad
- Ratnagiri
- Sindhudurg
- Parbhani
- Dharashiv (Osmanabad)
- Latur
These districts have reservation levels below 50%, allowing polls to proceed after Supreme Court directions.
Why the Wait?
Elections to Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis had been pending for months due to legal disputes over reservation limits. The Supreme Court recently granted an extension to conduct elections in districts with reservation below 50% by February 15, 2026. Districts exceeding the 50% reservation cap—20 Zilla Parishads—will go to polls later, pending court hearings scheduled for January 21.
What the Election Commission Said
During the briefing, the Election Commission highlighted several measures to ensure smooth voter participation and transparency:
- Duplicate voters have been identified; corrective action will follow.
- Voters can locate their polling booth via mobile app or the official website.
- Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and mothers with infants will receive priority voting.
- A total of 731 Zilla Parishad members and 1,462 Panchayat Samiti members will be elected in Phase 1.
District Collectors will act as the primary authorities responsible for conducting elections, supported by Sub-Divisional Officers as Returning Officers and Tehsildars as Assistant Returning Officers.
With municipal corporation elections also nearing their final phase, the announcement brings clarity to the rural electoral calendar, providing political parties and candidates a clear timeline to prepare for the upcoming polls.
