The State Election Commission (SEC) has made a definitive announcement regarding the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, confirming that the polling schedule for zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections will remain unchanged on February 5. This decision comes despite persistent demands from various political leaders and activists who sought postponement in certain districts due to conflicting events.
Statutory Framework and Election Rules
The commission issued a written response to activist Prafulla Kadam from Sangola in Solapur district, clearly stating that the election program was finalized in strict compliance with established legal frameworks. The SEC emphasized adherence to the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad (Electoral Divisions and Conduct of Elections) Rules, 1962, and the Maharashtra Panchayat Samiti (Electoral Divisions and Conduct of Elections) Rules, 1962.
According to these regulations, the election notice must be published no later than twenty days before the designated polling date. The election notice was officially published on January 16, with polling scheduled for February 5, creating a precise twenty-day interval that cannot be extended under the existing rules, the commission clarified in its statement.
Logistical Constraints and Examination Schedule
Beyond statutory requirements, the SEC highlighted significant logistical challenges that make rescheduling impractical. The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations are set to commence on February 10, requiring examination centers to be handed over to the education board by February 8. This timeline creates administrative complications that prevent conducting polling on February 6 or 8.
The commission firmly stated that accepting requests to alter the polling date is not feasible given these overlapping commitments, effectively closing the door on any schedule modifications.
Conflicting Events and Political Demands
The demands for postponement originated from concerns about the annual Mayakka fair, a significant religious and social gathering held at Chinchali in Belagavi, Karnataka. Political representatives argued that holding elections on the same day as this popular fair would disenfranchise numerous devotees and interfere with religious observances.
Notable political figures including MLAs Vishwajit Kadam and Gopichand Padalkar had formally written to the SEC advocating for schedule adjustments. In his representation, activist Prafulla Kadam specifically requested shifting polling in affected districts by one or two days to potentially enhance voter participation.
Limited Scope for Schedule Alterations
The SEC maintained a consistent position that once the statutory election process has been initiated, there exists minimal flexibility to modify the established timeline. The commission emphasized that the election machinery has been set in motion according to legal provisions, leaving little room for procedural changes.
Despite the rejection, Kadam indicated plans to approach the High Court regarding this matter, suggesting potential legal challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the SEC has sought comprehensive reports from the Pune divisional commissioner and district collectors on the same issue, with officials confirming that the commission's response was formulated after reviewing these submissions.
The SEC-approved decision effectively solidifies February 5 as the definitive polling date for the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections across Maharashtra, setting the stage for local democratic exercises to proceed as originally planned despite the various appeals for rescheduling.
