Maharashtra Zilla Parishad & Panchayat Samiti Election Results 2026: Complete Guide to Counting and Live Updates
The highly anticipated results for the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samiti elections of 2026 are set to be declared, following a voting process that concluded on Saturday, February 7. The elections, which saw a voter turnout of approximately 67% by 5:30 PM, cover 12 key districts across the state, marking a significant moment in local governance.
Election Schedule and Postponement Details
Originally scheduled for February 5, the elections were postponed to February 7 due to a state-wide mourning period declared after the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28. The mourning lasted from January 28 to January 30, leading the State Election Commission of Maharashtra to adjust the electoral calendar accordingly.
The counting of votes for both the 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will now take place on February 9, starting at 10 AM. This shift from the initial counting date of February 7 ensures proper procedures are followed in the wake of the recent events.
Districts and Voter Demographics
The elections were conducted in the following districts: Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Latur. A total of 2.09 crore eligible voters participated, with a near-equal gender distribution: 1.07 crore men and 1.02 crore women.
This electoral exercise is crucial for local development, as Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis play pivotal roles in rural administration and grassroots governance in Maharashtra.
Candidate Statistics and Reservation Details
The elections feature a competitive landscape with a significant number of candidates vying for positions. For the Zilla Parishad seats, 2,624 candidates are contesting across 731 seats. The reservation breakdown is as follows:
- 369 seats reserved for women
- 83 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes
- 25 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes
- 191 seats reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Similarly, for the Panchayat Samiti seats, 4,814 candidates are in the fray for 1,462 seats, with reservations including:
- 731 seats reserved for women
- 166 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes
- 38 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes
- 342 seats reserved for Other Backward Classes
These figures highlight the inclusive nature of the elections, ensuring representation from various communities.
How to Check Live Election Results
To stay updated with the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election results in real-time, voters and political enthusiasts can follow live blogs and updates on major news websites. These platforms will provide district-wise and ward-wise results as they are announced, offering insights into which candidates have secured victories.
It is recommended to rely on official and reputable sources for accurate and timely information during the counting process.
Polling Day Incidents and Political Context
The polling on February 7 was largely peaceful, with minor incidents reported. In the Wadgaon Haveli area of Karad taluka in Satara district, a verbal altercation occurred between BJP and NCP workers over allegations of bogus voting, but police intervention quickly defused the situation.
Similar tensions were noted in Parbhani district, while in Dharashiv district, a viral audio clip allegedly involving a former Shiv Sena minister discussing voter inducement stirred controversy. Additionally, in Balgavde village of Sangli district, approximately 2,200 voters boycotted the polls to protest the felling of around 15,000 trees for a solar energy project, reflecting local environmental concerns.
Impact of Ajit Pawar's Death on the Elections
The elections are being closely watched as a litmus test for the NCP factions, which contested in an alliance in their traditional strongholds of western Maharashtra. The sudden demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has cast a shadow over the political landscape, leading to a subdued campaign period.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other senior leaders, decided to abstain from campaigning, leaving the electoral efforts to local party leaders. This move has added a layer of complexity to the election dynamics, with outcomes potentially influencing future political alignments in the state.
As the counting day approaches, all eyes are on Maharashtra to see how these local body elections unfold, shaping the governance at the grassroots level for the coming years.
