Voting Commences for Local Body Elections in Maharashtra
Local Elections Underway in Maharashtra
Voting for the positions of chairpersons and members in 23 municipal councils and municipal committees across Maharashtra began on Saturday morning. Additionally, elections are being held for 143 vacant member positions in these local bodies.
Polls are open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. According to a statement from the state election commission, the counting of votes for all municipal councils and committees will take place on December 21.
Previous Voting Phase
Earlier, on December 2, the first phase of voting was conducted for 263 municipal councils and committees. In several locations, chairpersons and members have been elected unopposed.
Vote counting at all relevant centers will commence at 10 AM on December 21.
Political Landscape
In many constituencies, the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party are contesting against each other. The elections have become multifaceted due to direct confrontations between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, along with friendly contests among alliances.
Enhanced Security Measures
Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare instructed district administration and police officials on Wednesday to implement strict precautionary measures to ensure peaceful voting and counting.
Waghmare issued these directives during a video conference with district collectors, police commissioners, superintendents, and election officials over the past two days. Senior officials, including SEC Secretary Suresh Kakani and Inspector General of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma, were present during these review meetings.
The SEC emphasized that voting and counting should proceed "smoothly and peacefully," warning that immediate and strict action would be taken in the event of any untoward incidents. Officials were also instructed to promptly inform the media, voters, candidates, and political parties about actions taken to prevent misinformation or any public misconceptions.
IG Sharma highlighted the necessity of adequate security arrangements to maintain law and order during the voting and counting days, stressing the importance of timely communication of police actions to the public.