The State Election Commission has directed the postponement of local body elections scheduled for December 2 across several districts in Maharashtra's Marathwada region, pushing the polling to a new date later this month.
District-wise Changes in Election Schedule
In a significant development affecting local governance, election officials have rescheduled voting for multiple municipal councils and wards to December 20. The decision impacts several districts including Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, and Beed.
Nanded district will see substantial changes with elections for both Mukhed and Dharmabad municipal councils now moved to the new date. Additionally, one ward each from Bhokar, Loha, and Kundalwadi municipal councils will also go to polls on December 20.
Widespread Impact Across Marathwada
The postponement extends beyond Nanded, affecting neighboring districts as well. In Hingoli, the election for Vasmat municipal council has been deferred, while two wards from Hingoli municipal council will follow a fresh election schedule.
Parbhani district experiences similar changes with elections for two wards from Purna municipal council and one ward from Jintur municipal council rescheduled for December 20.
Beed district witnesses the most extensive changes with polls deferred for four wards each of Ambajogai and Parli municipal councils. Additionally, one ward each for local self-governing body Beed and Kille Dharur will also see delayed elections.
Political Context and Campaign Activities
The election schedule change comes as political campaigning intensifies in the region. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are among the top leaders scheduled to hold rallies in Marathwada on the final day of campaigning for elections on Monday.
While the State Election Commission's official release detailed these changes, related updates from other districts in Marathwada remained unavailable until late evening, indicating the possibility of further modifications to the election calendar.
The postponement affects crucial local self-governing bodies that play a significant role in grassroots democracy and development planning across the Marathwada region.
