Voting for the 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will now be held on February 7, instead of the earlier date of February 5, the Maharashtra State Election Commission said on Thursday
The decision was taken following the death of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. Representational Pic/AFP
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday said that it has decided reschedule the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections to February 7 and the counting of votes to February 9, reported the PTI.
Voting for the 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will now be held on February 7, instead of the earlier date of February 5, the SEC said on Thursday.
The counting of votes has been postponed to February 9, instead of the previously announced date of February 7, according to the SEC.
The polls have been deferred following the three-day mourning declared in the state after the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, the SEC said in a statement.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was cremated with full state honours in Pune on Thursday.
Polling arrangements across districts
The SEC had earlier this month stated that was making arrangements for approximately 25,482 polling stations across the state.
Polling will be conducted from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Voter list and voting machines
The voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India as of July 1, 2025, will be used for these elections. The voter lists have been bifurcated for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti constituencies as per rules.
“No additions or deletions can be made to the voter list at this stage,” State Election Commission (SEC) Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare had said while addressing a press conference on January 11.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including ballot units and control units, will be used extensively to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
Special facilities for voters
The SEC said special facilities will be provided at polling stations for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants.
Facilities will include ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water and toilets. Where feasible, all-women polling stations will be set up in areas with a high concentration of women voters.
Administrative arrangements and MCC
Extensive administrative preparations have been made, including the appointment of thousands of election officers and staff.
The SEC has also specified expenditure limits separately for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti candidates, based on the size of the electoral divisions.
Waghmare warned that strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Election campaigning will end 48 hours before polling begins.
(with PTI inputs)
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