Maharashtra elections delayed for 17 Zila Parishads over OBC quota dispute

A Supreme Court ruling leaves 17 Zila Parishads in limbo—will January’s hearing break the deadlock? Meanwhile, cities like Nagpur prepare for on-time voting.

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:15 AM

1 min read

people are sitting on the chairs. in front of them there is a table on which there is a jug, papers... — people are sitting on the chairs. in front of them there is a table on which there is a jug, papers and pen. behind that there are people seated on the chairs. the person at the center is holding a microphone and speaking. behind them there is a white and blue flag. at the back there is a white and blue background on which honorable camara de is written.

Maharashtra elections delayed for 17 Zila Parishads over OBC quota dispute

Elections in Maharashtra face delays as legal uncertainty surrounds 17 Zila Parishads. The issue stems from OBC reservation exceeding the 50% constitutional limit. Meanwhile, polls in 29 municipal corporations, including Nagpur and Chandrapur, will go ahead as planned by late January or early February.

The Supreme Court has permitted elections only in districts where OBC reservation remains within the 50% cap. This ruling leaves 17 Zila Parishads in limbo, with their polling dates on hold. The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) must now await the next hearing on January 21 before making any decisions.

The January 21 hearing will determine whether the stalled elections can proceed. Until then, uncertainty persists for the 17 Zila Parishads caught in the reservation dispute. Polls in compliant districts and municipal corporations, however, will move forward without disruption.