Nagpur: The long-delayed local body elections in Maharashtra, including Nagpur, are likely to be pushed further as the Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on the matter to February 25, 2025. The decision has dampened hopes for an early resolution to the three-year delay in conducting polls for municipal corporations, Nagar Parishads, Zilla Parishads, and Panchayat Samitis across the state.

Possible Post-Diwali Civic Polls:

With this deferment, elections are now expected to take place only after Diwali. The delay continues to frustrate political parties and aspirants who were preparing for the crucial polls.

Reservation Disputes Behind Delays:

The postponement is primarily due to ongoing petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation issue. Political stakeholders are awaiting clarity on this matter, as it will impact candidate selection and campaign strategies.

High-Stakes Political Showdown Expected:

Nagpur and other major cities are expected to witness fierce political battles. Across the state, 27 municipal corporations, including Nagpur, 243 municipal councils, 37 Nagar Panchayats, 26 Zilla Parishads, and 289 Panchayat Samitis are awaiting elections.

The local body elections are expected to be intense following the Mahayuti alliance’s dominance in the Assembly elections, while the MVA excelled in the Lok Sabha elections. 

However, the ongoing delay has left Maharashtra’s political landscape in a state of uncertainty, with aspirants eagerly waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict.