The State Election Commission (SEC) has announced a sudden postponement of elections for several local bodies across the Nashik division, a move that has sparked questions from political leaders. The decision impacts scores of councillor positions and the electoral process in three municipal councils and one nagar panchayat.
Which Areas and Seats Are Affected?
According to a senior officer from the Nashik division, the postponement specifically affects the districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, and Ahilyanagar. Elections for a total of 78 councillor posts have been deferred. This includes 59 councillors in Ahilyanagar district, 12 in Jalgaon district, and seven in Nashik district.
The officer clarified that the local bodies where the election program is now on hold are the three municipal councils of Devlali Pravara, Kopargaon, and Pathardi, along with the Nevasa nagar panchayat. All these are located within Ahilyanagar district. The officer emphasized that no other local bodies in any other districts of the division, including Nandurbar and Dhule, are affected.
Revised Schedule and Unaffected Polls
The SEC had previously announced that the election program for these local bodies would commence on December 4, with voting scheduled for December 20. This schedule now stands postponed for the specified councils and seats.
Importantly, the election program for all other 41 councils and three nagar panchayats within the Nashik division will proceed as per the original schedule. This partial postponement has created a unique and, according to some, confusing scenario for voters in the affected wards.
Political Reaction and Raised Concerns
The decision, coming just days before the scheduled polling, has drawn criticism. Congress functionary from Sangamner and former minister, Balasaheb Thorat, has publicly questioned the SEC's process.
Speaking to the media, Thorat called the last-minute postponement "very strange" and labeled the situation "weird." He pointed out the practical difficulties, noting that in some multiple-member wards, elections for only one seat have been postponed while others will proceed.
"Do you think that the voters will go to the polling booths two times in a month, and also will the voting be fair in the councils and panchayats if the results of other seats and local bodies are out?" Thorat asked, highlighting potential issues with voter turnout and electoral fairness.
The reasons for the selective postponement have not been publicly detailed by the SEC, leaving room for speculation and political debate as the rest of the division prepares to go to the polls.
