Local body elections in Maharashtra likely between November-December. Opposition expresses displeasure over denial of VVPat machines. The commission has started preparing for the elections.
Maharashtra Election: The picture is now becoming clear regarding the local body elections in Maharashtra, which have been delayed for a long time. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare has indicated that these elections can be organized between the end of October and January 2026. Waghmare has also confirmed that VVPAT machines will not be used in these elections.
Municipal Corporations under Administrators for Three Years
For the past three years, there has been no elected body in 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. They are being governed by administrators. Following the directives of the Supreme Court and pressure from political parties, the process of holding elections is now being expedited.
Possible Election Dates
State Election Commissioner Waghmare said in an interview that the commission is exploring the possibility of holding elections from the end of October. He said, "We have not officially announced the elections yet, but you can assume that they will be held between November and January." He also added that holding elections after Diwali will be the commission's priority.
Refusal to Use VVPAT
A major issue has also emerged regarding the non-use of VVPAT machines. Waghmare said that VVPAT has not been used in local body elections so far and will not be included this time either. He says that the traditional ballot system is sufficient and practical for these elections.
Opposition's Protest
Opposition parties have raised questions about the non-use of VVPAT machines. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare said that the use of VVPAT is necessary if transparency is to be ensured. She warned that if the machines are not used, they will knock on the door of the court. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has also criticized this decision of the commission and termed it against transparency.
BJP's Argument
BJP leader Sarang Kamtekar said that Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections have not been held since 2022. He expressed apprehension regarding the State Election Commission's plan that the voter turnout may be low during the festivals. He also added that the need for elected bodies in the state has been long overdue.
In which municipal bodies will elections be held?
The major municipal bodies where elections are proposed include Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Kolhapur, Dombivli, Kalyan, Vasai-Virar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. These are major urban centers in Maharashtra where there have been no public representatives for many years.
Status of Delimitation and Reservation
The State Election Commission had asked the state government in March itself to start the process of ward delimitation. Behind this order was the Supreme Court's directive to the commission to issue a notification within four weeks. Also, the Supreme Court had asked the commission to maintain the status quo regarding 27 percent OBC reservation for the time being.
