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Maharashtra Local Body Elections Thrown into Turmoil as Court Orders Counting Delay Amid Allegations of Irregularities

Mumbai, December 3, 2025 – The Maharashtra local body elections, held on Tuesday, December 2nd, for 264 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, have been thrown into chaos following a Bombay High Court directive to postpone vote counting until December 21st. The Nagpur Bench of the High Court issued the order after numerous petitions challenged the State Election Commission’s (SEC) handling of the election process, citing concerns over a staggered process.

The court’s decision came amidst reports of violence, allegations of bogus voting, and claims of illegal distribution of money during the polling process. Justices Anil S. Kilor and Rajnish R. Vyas instructed the SEC to conduct a unified counting process on December 21st, coinciding with the second phase of polling on December 20th.

Petitions argued that the SEC’s reliance on certain election rules was misplaced and that the Commission lacked the authority to selectively postpone elections, creating an uneven playing field. The petitioners raised concerns that declaring results for some wards on December 3rd would unfairly influence the remaining elections.

The High Court’s directive has triggered a political storm. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his disappointment with the SEC’s handling of the election schedule, deeming their interpretation of the law as “completely wrong.” Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule further criticized the SEC’s “misinterpretation of laws” and the lack of all-party consultations.

The opposition parties have also voiced their concerns. The Congress accused the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance of manipulating the elections, citing instances of large-scale bogus voting. The NCP-SP accused the Election Commission to be “a puppet of the government”.

The SEC has yet to respond to the criticisms and the court’s directive. The delayed counting and ongoing controversy have cast a shadow over the Maharashtra local body elections, leaving the results uncertain and raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

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