Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 22: Fresh election activity has begun in Maharashtra with bypolls to the Nagar Panchayat seats in Manmad, Deola and Peth scheduled to be held on June 20.

Dinesh Waghmare announced the election programme during a press conference on Friday and said a decision regarding the long-pending Zilla Parishad elections would be taken after the July 23 verdict related to OBC reservation issues.

Waghmare said municipal council elections were held in 2025, but some seats fell vacant due to the death of elected members or other reasons after nominations were filed. He stated that bypolls would be conducted for 29 vacant posts across the state, including four seats in Nashik district — two in Manmad, one in Peth and one in Deola.

He said polling would be held on June 20 and the voter list dated July 1 would be used for the election process. Preparations for counting centres, polling staff and electronic voting machines have already been completed.

According to the State Election Commissioner, the bypoll process will follow the same procedure adopted during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Political party symbols recognised by the state will appear first on ballot units, while independent candidates’ symbols will be placed at the end.

Speaking about the delayed Zilla Parishad elections, Waghmare said the matter had been stalled due to the OBC reservation issue and the commission would take a decision after the outcome expected on July 23.

He also clarified that no demand had been received seeking implementation of the SIR process before conducting local body elections and stated that the responsibility for the SIR process does not lie with the State Election Commission. He added that mapping-related work was currently underway.