Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026: Live Counting Updates Underway
The highly anticipated Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election Results 2026 are now being counted, following a robust electoral process that recorded a significant voter participation across multiple districts. The State Election Commission (SEC) has officially announced that the polling for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis achieved a turnout of 68.28 per cent, reflecting strong civic engagement in the state's local governance.
Key Districts and Turnout Figures
Among the 12 districts involved, Parbhani emerged with the highest voter turnout at 74.89 per cent, closely followed by Kolhapur at 74.45 per cent and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 72.69 per cent. In contrast, Ratnagiri recorded the lowest participation rate at 55.79 per cent. The elections, which were originally scheduled for February 5, had to be postponed due to the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, leading to a state mourning period.
Election Logistics and Candidate Details
The electoral process was meticulously organized, with 25,471 polling stations established across the districts to accommodate the massive voter base. Approximately 1.28 lakh personnel were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the elections. A total of 7,438 candidates contested for 731 Zilla Parishad seats and 1,462 Panchayat Samiti seats, highlighting the competitive nature of these local polls.
The electorate comprised a diverse group, including 1,06,33,269 men, 1,01,86,965 women, and 468 voters from other categories, totaling over 2 crore eligible voters. This inclusive participation underscores the importance of grassroots democracy in Maharashtra.
Incident Report from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
During the polling, an incident was reported from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. A candidate from Shiv Sena (UBT) allegedly attempted to vandalize a booth set up by a BJP-backed rival in the Wadgaon Kolhati area, following suspicions of money distribution. A video circulating online showed the Sena (UBT) nominee engaging in arguments and throwing a plastic chair. However, police officials confirmed that no injuries occurred, no formal complaint was lodged, and polling continued peacefully without further disruption.
Counting Process and Future Implications
The vote counting commenced on February 9, 2026, and is being closely monitored across districts such as Pune, Raigad, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur, Sindhudurg, Dharashiv, and others. The results are expected to have significant implications for local governance and political dynamics in Maharashtra, as these Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections play a crucial role in shaping rural and semi-urban development policies.
Stay tuned for continuous updates as the counting progresses, with detailed results and analysis from key battleground districts. The high turnout and competitive candidate pool indicate a vibrant democratic exercise, setting the stage for potential shifts in regional political landscapes.
