Do Maharashtra Parties Support SC's Decision on Local Body Elections?

Mumbai, May 6 (NationPress) Political factions in Maharashtra expressed their approval on Tuesday regarding the Supreme Court's (SC) ruling that mandates the organization of local body elections in the state, restoring the OBC reservation to the levels that were in place prior to the submission of the Banthia Commission report in July 2022.

The elections, which have been on hold for over three years due to the apex court's intervention, have resulted in numerous civic and local bodies operating under the control of administrators.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state BJP chief and Revenue Minister, remarked, “We have been anticipating this moment for three years. The SC has made a decision that will reinforce our democratic framework.”

He continued by stating that the elections for local bodies in Maharashtra are finally set to occur.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the court's decision. These elections will propel Maharashtra towards development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been in continuous consultation with legal experts. Today, his efforts have borne fruit. Just last week, the central government made a significant decision to initiate a caste-based census,” he noted.

Bawankule emphasized that both the government and judiciary are collaborating to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the populace.

He added that the forthcoming elections are dedicated to those dedicated workers who contribute to society with their heart, soul, and resources.

“The joy of the workers must have surely blossomed today. I sincerely wish them all the best,” he expressed.

Sanjay Raut, MP from Shiv Sena UBT, stated that their party is prepared to contest the elections.

“Our party has persistently advocated for the election of local and civic bodies, as elected representatives maintain direct connections with the populace and carry out essential work,” he affirmed.

Raut mentioned that the elections will proceed in four months according to the apex court's directive, regardless of rains or festivals, reiterating that Shiv Sena UBT is fully equipped to engage in the upcoming elections.

Harshwardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, insisted that the government should promptly conduct the local and civic body elections within four months, restoring the esteemed roles of corporators, mayors, and chairpersons across various committees.

“The MahaYuti avoided holding elections during these years in a bid to consolidate power within local and civic bodies. Following today's judgment from the apex court, the government must ensure the elections are held and promote the decentralization of authority,” he emphasized.

Jayant Patil, chief of the state NCP-SP, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for safeguarding democracy. He pointed out that no local body elections have occurred in Maharashtra for the past three years and highlighted that administrative officers have managed local bodies during this period. The Supreme Court has issued a provisional order to announce these elections within a month and finish the election process within four months.

He indicated that these elections will be contingent upon the final ruling of the Supreme Court concerning OBC reservation and deemed them crucial for the workers of all political parties in the state.

“On behalf of our party, I thank the Supreme Court for mandating these elections, which are vital for cultivating new leadership and sustaining democracy, even after a three-year delay,” he added.

Patil also noted that the Supreme Court's order permits the Election Commission to request an extension for conducting the elections if deemed necessary.

“We trust that the state government will not attempt to delay the elections under the guise of the Election Commission,” he concluded.