Municipal Elections: ‘Superpower’ Intervenes in Ward Delimitation – Urban Development Department Curtails Commissioners’ Authority

Pune | Until now, the final authority for determining ward boundaries for municipal elections rested with municipal commissioners. However, the state government has now taken this authority into its own hands. The Urban Development Department will now review and possibly alter the ward proposals prepared by commissioners, sparking debates that a ‘superpower’ intends to indirectly influence the elections.

Municipal commissioners from 29 municipal corporations across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur, had submitted draft and final ward plans. These were to be sent to the State Election Commission (SEC) through the Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department. This development significantly curtails the commissioners’ final authority over ward planning.

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the State Election Commission has initiated preparations for local body elections. On June 10, the Urban Development Department issued letters instructing municipal commissioners to prepare ward structures. These letters clearly stated that commissioners would draft the ward plan and submit it directly to the SEC for approval.

After SEC approval, the draft was to be published for public feedback, followed by hearings on objections conducted by government-appointed representatives. Only then was the final ward plan to be submitted to the SEC through the respective commissioners, as clearly stated in the directive.

Sudden Change in Process Within 11 Days

However, in a sudden turn of events within just 11 days, the Urban Development Department amended the process and extended the deadline for submission by a month. Under the revised schedule, commissioners are no longer allowed to send the draft plan directly to the SEC. Instead, they must first submit it to the Urban Development Department. Now, the Additional and Principal Secretaries of the department will forward both the draft and final ward plans to the SEC, with only five days allotted for this process.

Largest Municipal Election in Years

For the first time in many years, elections will be held simultaneously for 29 municipal corporations, district councils, and most municipal councils across Maharashtra. Considered a ‘mini assembly’, this massive election is a crucial test for the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Since ward delimitation plays a key role in election outcomes, the involvement of political influence in the process has previously been observed, with commissioners allegedly pressured to structure wards to favor the ruling party.

Debate Over Reduced Powers of Commissioners

There is ongoing debate about the reduction of powers of municipal commissioners. Since they often face political pressure while submitting ward plans—both draft and final—to the SEC, the opposition has accused the state government of centralizing the process. The motive is allegedly to ensure tight control over the election process and maintain a unified approach by the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

By allowing the Urban Development Department to make alterations before the final submission to the SEC, the state government is perceived to have effectively weakened the authority of municipal commissioners, leading to significant controversy and criticism.