Maharashtra Local Body Elections Rescheduled to February 7 After State Mourning Declaration
The State Election Commission of Maharashtra has officially postponed the upcoming elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis to February 7, 2026, with the counting of votes now scheduled for February 9, 2026. This decision comes in response to the three-day state mourning period declared following the tragic and accidental death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28.
Revised Election Schedule and Key Dates
Originally, the polling for these crucial local body elections was set to take place on February 5, with the counting of votes planned for February 7. The entire election programme was initially announced on January 13, and several preparatory stages have already been successfully completed. These include:
- Filing and withdrawal of nominations
- Allotment of symbols to candidates
- Publication of the final list of candidates
With these processes finalized, the remaining stages were polling, counting of votes, and the official notification of elected members. However, the state mourning period from January 28 to 30 necessitated a revision of the timeline to respect the solemn occasion.
Supreme Court Directive and Commission's Response
It is important to note that the Supreme Court had previously permitted only a two-week extension beyond January 31, 2026, for the completion of these elections. In light of the mourning declaration, the State Election Commission carefully considered this period and adjusted the schedule accordingly to comply with both legal directives and cultural sensitivities.
The Commission has directed that District Collectors will issue the revised official notification on January 31. According to this notification, voting will be conducted from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm on February 7. Political campaigning must conclude by 10 pm on February 5, ensuring a peaceful and respectful environment leading up to the polls.
Counting Procedures and Post-Election Formalities
The counting of votes is set to commence at 10 am on February 9 at designated centers across the state. Following the declaration of results, the Model Code of Conduct will be lifted, allowing normal administrative activities to resume. The names of the elected members will be formally published in the government gazette by February 11, 2026, finalizing the electoral process.
This rescheduling underscores the Commission's commitment to conducting free and fair elections while honoring the state's period of mourning. Voters and candidates are advised to take note of the new dates to ensure full participation in these significant local democratic exercises.
