The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to defer the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the state, citing the ongoing elections to local and civic bodies.
In a recent letter, the SEC highlighted that it is currently engaged in completing the election process for 29 Municipal Corporations, all 247 Municipal Councils, 42 Nagar Panchayats out of 147, 32 Zilla Parishads out of 34, and 336 Panchayat Samitis out of 351, before 31 January next year, in line with a Supreme Court directive.
SEC sources confirmed that the commission has requested the ECI to postpone SIR until these elections are concluded, as the state’s election machinery is fully occupied with preparations and conduct of these polls.
“The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in its order dated May 6, 2025, directed the State Election Commission to conclude elections to local bodies in Maharashtra within four months, while granting the commission liberty to seek extensions in appropriate cases. Elections to all 29 Municipal Corporations, all 247 Municipal Councils, 42 Nagar Panchayats out of 147, 32 Zilla Parishads out of 34, and 336 Panchayat Samitis out of 351 are due in Maharashtra,” the SEC stated in its letter.
According to the SEC, delimitation of wards for Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis has been completed, while the process for Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats is expected to be finalised shortly.
Also Read : No appeals filed over Bihar voter list errors: CEO
Following this, the bifurcation of the Legislative Assembly electoral rolls for the local bodies will commence, after which the elections will be conducted.
“Tentatively, elections for all these bodies are expected to continue until January 2026. During this period, most Deputy Collectors and Tahsildars, who serve as Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers for local body elections, will be engaged in these polls. As the same officers are responsible for both local body elections and the revision of assembly electoral rolls, it is requested that the SIR programme, if planned, be deferred at least until the end of January 2026,” the SEC argued.
The SEC’s request comes as both the MahaYuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi step up preparations for the upcoming local and civic body elections.
The ruling and opposition parties have intensified outreach to voters and are exploring options, including going solo based on individual strengths or forming alliances, leaving decisions to their respective local units.
Meanwhile, an all-party delegation is scheduled to meet the state Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday, urging measures to ensure free and fair elections amid allegations of vote rigging during last year’s state assembly elections.
Follow us
