Sat May 24 14:22:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Maharashtra’s local civic body elections, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, are finally moving forward after years of delays. The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has instructed the government to begin the delimitation of wards, setting the stage for elections. These elections have been stalled by COVID-19, issues surrounding OBC reservations, changes to ward boundaries, and a vacancy in the State Election Commissioner post. The political landscape has shifted significantly, with the Mahayuti coalition (BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena) gaining ground. The BMC election is particularly significant as it represents the last major stronghold of the Shiv Sena, now split between Eknath Shinde’s faction and Uddhav Thackeray’s. The BJP is also eager to gain control of the BMC. The political dynamics are further complicated by potential alliances between Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray. The appointment of a new State Election Commissioner signals renewed momentum towards holding these long-awaited elections.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Civic Elections Finally on the Horizon After Years of Delays**
**Mumbai, May 24, 2025** – After a three year hiatus, elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are finally poised to move forward. The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has formally requested the state government to initiate the delimitation of wards, paving the way for the long-delayed polls.
The elections have been hampered by a series of obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, disputes over Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations, the redrawing of ward boundaries, and the absence of a State Election Commissioner.
“We have asked the government to begin with the delimitation. The Other Backwards Classes (OBC) categorisation will come afterwards. The government will send us for final approval post-delimitation of the wards,” said Mr. Jagdish More, SEC Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations).
The political landscape in Maharashtra has undergone significant changes in recent years. The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), has gained considerable influence.
The BMC election is particularly crucial, as it represents the last major stronghold of the Shiv Sena, which has ruled the civic body for much of the last four decades. The party is now split between the factions led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The BJP is also aggressively seeking to break through the Sena’s power centre, aiming to install its own mayor for the first time.
Complicating matters further are potential alliances. Signs of reconciliation have emerged between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin, Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
The recent appointment of senior IAS officer Dinesh T. Waghmare as the State Election Commissioner is a positive sign, indicating a renewed commitment to holding the elections. He will serve a five year, non-renewable term.
The Supreme Court has directed the SEC to notify the local body elections within four weeks.
The outcome of these civic elections will likely have a significant impact on the political dynamics of Maharashtra.
First Piper 