Maharashtra postpones elections in 24 municipal bodies; 154 seats to vote on December 20
Maharashtra postpones elections in 24 municipal bodies; 154 seats to vote on December 20
The State Election Commission has delayed polling in 24 municipal councils and panchayats across Maharashtra due to pending appeals, setting a new polling date of December 20, 2025.
Mumbai, December 1, 2025 – The State Election Commission has postponed elections in 24 municipal councils and municipal panchayats across Maharashtra after several legal appeals challenged the earlier process of nominations and symbol allotment. The delay affects 154 seats statewide. With this decision, polling for these bodies will now take place on December 20 instead of the original date. Elections in other local bodies, where no disputes were reported, will continue as scheduled on December 2.
The Commission said the postponement became unavoidable because objections over nomination papers and symbols remained unresolved in several towns. Some candidates had approached courts claiming irregularities, including improper symbol distribution and lack of adequate time for withdrawals after allotment. To prevent the polls from proceeding under disputed conditions, officials decided to revise the schedule only for the affected bodies.
The 24 local bodies fall across multiple districts, reflecting how widespread the procedural issues were. Under the new programme, withdrawal of nominations for the postponed elections must be completed by December 10, followed by confirmation of candidates and symbols the next day. Polling will be held on December 20 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and counting will take place on December 21. The Election Commission has instructed district administrations to update voters and ensure all logistical changes are smoothly executed.
For many candidates, the sudden shift has caused frustration. Campaigns had already been launched, outreach work was underway and volunteers were mobilised. Now, with almost three extra weeks added to the timeline, parties are being forced to adjust their strategies. Some fear that the delay will affect momentum on the ground, especially in smaller towns where voter engagement fluctuates when polls are pushed back.
However, officials argue that the revised schedule strengthens the democratic process. Conducting polls while objections remain pending could have led to legal challenges after voting, which would only delay results further. By resetting the timeline now, the Commission believes it can ensure a fairer and cleaner contest. The decision also reflects the pressure to maintain credibility at a time when local-body elections in Maharashtra carry high political stakes.
This postponement has sparked debate among political observers. Some say it is a reminder of how delicate the nomination and scrutiny process is, especially in elections involving smaller bodies where political competition can be intense. Others believe it indicates how crucial symbol allotment and candidate verification have become in the post-delimitation landscape.
For voters in the affected regions, the delay means another wait before choosing their representatives. Local bodies are often responsible for essential services like water supply, sanitation, road maintenance and market regulation. With the polls pushed back, administrative continuity may be extended under existing leadership for a few more weeks.
With the new date fixed for December 20, political parties will now try to rebuild campaign rhythm and reconnect with voters. The coming days will show whether the delay creates an advantage for any particular group or simply levels the field by giving all candidates extra time to prepare.
