Maharashtra State Election Commission released the schedule for the polling for Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola, Washim, and Nagpur Zilla Parishads and their by-polls. The Polling will take place on October 5.
Polling for Palghar Zilla Parishad and its by-elections will also be held on the same day and counting of votes will be done in all places on October 6, 2021, announced the State Election Commissioner UPS Madan.
Madan said that the by-elections for the vacant posts in the 5 Zilla Parishads of Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola, Washim, and Nagpur, and the Panchayat Samiti were scheduled for July 19, 2021. However, in view of the Supreme Court order dated July 6, 2021, and the request of the state government to postpone the by-elections due to Covid-19, the State Election Commission postponed the elections to the stage of July 9, 2021.
In the hearing held on September 9, 2021 in this case, the Supreme Court has ruled that the state government’s restrictions regarding Covid-19 dated August 11, 2021 are not applicable for by-elections. In view of this order and the number of corona patients, the State Election Commission has now decided to complete the by-election program.
The State Election Commission had sought reports from Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola, Washim, and Nagpur district collectors on the number of corona patients and the daily death toll during the week. It showed that the Corona situation in these six districts was under control.
Last time the Palghar Zilla Parishad and its adjoining Panchayat Samiti was not included in the by-elections for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti of Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola, Washim and Nagpur announced on 22 June 2021 as the district was included in level-3 as per the norms of state government regarding Covid-19.
Nomination papers for Zilla Parishad and its adjoining Panchayat Samiti by-elections can be filed from 15th September to 20th September 2021.
The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on September 21, 2021. The list of valid candidates will be published on 21st September 2021 in all places including Palghar. Nomination papers can be withdrawn on September 27 where there is no appeal in the District Court against the decision of the Returning Officer. While the nomination papers can be withdrawn till September 29, 2021 at the place of appeal.
