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As Fadnavis objects to postponement, SEC backs decision, calls it appropriate as per rules

The State Election Commission (SEC) postponed elections in 20 municipal councils and nagar panchayats due to pending court cases, sparking objections from CM Devendra Fadnavis, Dy CM Ajit Pawar.

The SEC, however, defended the decision as legally appropriate and in line with norms.

Maharashtra’s local body elections were postponed by the SEC citing pending court cases, drawing sharp objections from CM Fadnavis, Dy CM Pawar, and opposition leaders. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday objected to the State Election Commission (SEC)’s decision to postpone the local body elections, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the move was appropriate and as per the laiddown norms.

“As far as I know and I have also consulted legal experts, elections cannot be postponed because someone has moved the court… The decision to postpone the elections because of petitions filed in court was unfair to other candidates,” Fadnavis told reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday.

On Sunday, the SEC ordered suspension and revision of elections in as many as 20 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, citing pending court cases. While elections in Baramati and Phursungi municipal councils have been postponed to December 20, the polling to 10 prabhags of Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavala, Daund and Saswad municipal councils will now be held on December 20.

The chief minister also raised doubts the source of the expert advice the commission is getting. “I don’t know who the Election Commission is consulting… For instance in Nilanga area of Latur district, the entire election process has been completed. Someone whose candidature was rejected has gone to the court. The candidates who completed all formalities were ready for the polling process… Just when they were all geared up for the polling, cancelling the election at this moment is completely wrong. We will submit our written objections to the EC,” Fadnavis said.

“Though the Election Commission is an independent body, its decision to postpone the election is completely wrong. The decision is unfair to candidates who have completed the poll formalities as all their efforts is wasted and they will have to campaign for 15 more days,” the CM said.

When asked about the CM’s objections, Waghmare told The Indian Express, “Whatever we have done has been done as per the rules. We have taken an appropriate decision.”

To the CM’s contention as to who the EC has consulted, Waghmare said, “We have taken appropriate legal advice from experts.”

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Like the CM, even Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar objected to the EC’s decision. “It is unfortunate… When the campaign is at the fag end, the election process has never been stopped, especially when the nomination papers are filed and nominations are withdrawn by some candidates,” he said.

Maharashtra Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “Who is going to believe that the decision has not been taken after consulting the BJP or taking its advice. So far, the commission has danced to the dictates of the BJP. Every election, confusion is created so that an atmosphere is created in its favour.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut, who surfaced after being unwell for a month, said, “I don’t think it is legally appropriate to postpone the elections in this manner…” Asked about the CM objecting to EC’s decision, Raut alleged, “The decision has been jointly taken by the BJP and EC to benefit all future elections.”

Also Read | Maharashtra Local Body Elections 2025: Voting timings, polling process, candidate schedule and result dates

AAP spokesperson Mukund Kirdat said, “If the EC is going to postpone the election process in this manner, it might set a precedent for future elections, which is harmful. If the EC had to take a decision, it should have taken much earlier. Why take it at the last moment, create confusion and cause loss to candidates and the voters? This is like setting a bad precedent.”

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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