Maharashtra Local Body Elections Rescheduled Following State Mourning Period
The State Election Commission of Maharashtra has officially announced the postponement of crucial local body elections across the state. This decision comes in response to the three-day mourning period declared following the tragic passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Revised Election Dates Announced by Election Authorities
According to the latest notification from the State Election Commission, voting for elections to twelve zilla parishads and one hundred twenty-five panchayat samitis will now take place on February 7. This represents a two-day delay from the originally scheduled date of February 5. The commission made this announcement on Thursday, citing the need to respect the state's mourning period.
Counting Schedule Also Adjusted
In addition to the voting date change, the counting of votes has also been rescheduled. The poll body confirmed that vote counting will now occur on February 9, instead of the previously announced February 7. This adjustment maintains the two-day gap between voting and counting that was part of the original election timeline.
Reason for Postponement: State Mourning for Ajit Pawar
The State Election Commission issued a formal statement explaining that the elections have been deferred specifically in view of the three-day mourning declared across Maharashtra. This mourning period follows the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away in an air crash on January 28. The commission emphasized the need to respect this period of state mourning before proceeding with electoral activities.
Impact on Maharashtra's Political Landscape
The postponement affects significant local governance elections that determine leadership for twelve district-level zilla parishads and numerous panchayat samitis at the block level. These elections are crucial for grassroots democracy in Maharashtra and were originally scheduled to take place in early February. The State Election Commission has indicated that further details about the rescheduled elections are being finalized and will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.
Key Points:
- Voting rescheduled from February 5 to February 7
- Counting moved from February 7 to February 9
- Affects 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis
- Decision made due to three-day state mourning for Ajit Pawar
- Official announcement made by State Election Commission on Thursday
The election body has urged all political parties, candidates, and voters to take note of these revised dates and make necessary adjustments to their campaign schedules. The commission has assured that all election preparations will continue as planned, with only the dates being shifted to accommodate the state's mourning period.
