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Maharashtra Local Polls Shifted to Feb 7 After Ajit Pawar's Demise

The State Election Commission has rescheduled polling for Maharashtra's Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections to February 7, following a period of state mourning declared after the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The counting of votes will now take place on February 9, with results to be gazetted by February 11. The Supreme Court had previously granted only a two-week extension beyond January 31 to complete the electoral process. Key stages like nomination filing are complete, and the Model Code of Conduct will lift after results are declared.

Key Points: Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Polls Rescheduled to February 7

  • Polling rescheduled from Feb 5 to Feb 7
  • State mourning declared after Ajit Pawar's demise
  • Counting of votes set for February 9
  • Supreme Court had granted a two-week extension
2 min read

Polling for Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra rescheduled to February 7 following demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Polling for 12 Zilla Parishads & 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra postponed to Feb 7 due to state mourning for Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

"Polling will now be conducted on February 7 - State Election Commission"

Mumbai, January 30

Polling for the remaining phases of the general elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra will now be held on February 7 instead of February 5, following the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the three-day state mourning declared in his honour and the counting of votes will take place on February 9 instead of February 7.

The State Election Commission had announced the election programme for these Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis on 13 January.

The State Election Commission had earlier announced the election programme for these local bodies on January 13.

As per the schedule, key processes such as filing of nominations, withdrawal of nominations, allotment of symbols and publication of the final list of contesting candidates have already been completed.

The remaining stages of the election include polling, counting of votes, and publication of the names of elected members in the Official Gazette.

The Supreme Court granted an extension of only two weeks beyond 31 January to conduct these elections.

However, the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28 prompted the state government to declare a mourning period from January 28 to 30. Considering this period, adjustments have been made to the election schedule for the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis.

The concerned District Collectors have been directed to publish the revised election programme on January 31.

Polling will now be conducted on February 7 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, while the period for public campaigning will end at 10:00 pm on February 5, 2026.

Vote counting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am on February 9 at the respective counting centres. Following the declaration of results, the Model Code of Conduct will cease to be in force at the concerned locations. The names of the elected members will be published in the Government Gazette by February 11.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Practical adjustment. The Supreme Court had given a tight deadline, but such unforeseen circumstances happen. Hope the candidates and voters are informed properly about the new dates. Grassroots democracy is crucial for development.
R
Rohit P
While I understand the reason for rescheduling, it does create logistical issues for many. Campaign budgets, travel plans for workers, everything gets pushed. Hopefully the EC ensures a smooth process on the new date. 🤞
A
Anjali F
Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections directly impact our villages. The delay is minor, but what's important is that they are conducted freely and fairly. Let's hope for a good voter turnout on Feb 7th!
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, it's interesting to see how Indian democracy functions at the local level. The protocol of state mourning affecting election schedules shows a blend of tradition and modern governance. Condolences on the loss.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While the mourning period is understood, constant rescheduling can lead to voter fatigue. The EC must have more robust contingency plans. That said, Om Shanti to Ajit Pawar ji. A formidable force in Maharashtra politics is gone.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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