Did Maha CM Welcome SC Ruling on New Ward Structure and 27% OBC Quota in Local Body Elections?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed enthusiasm for the Supreme Court's recent ruling that enables local elections under a new ward structure with a 27% OBC reservation. This decision marks a significant step towards resolving the prolonged delay in local body elections across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court ruling allows 27% OBC reservation.
- New ward structure based on 2017 framework confirmed.
- Local body elections can now proceed.
- Political leaders express support for the ruling.
- OBC representation is crucial for democracy.
Mumbai, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed his approval of the Supreme Court’s decision to hold local and civic body elections utilizing the newly established ward framework, which includes a 27 percent reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
He noted that this ruling has cleared the path for the long-awaited elections for municipal corporations, municipal councils, Zilla Parishads, and other local entities in Maharashtra.
In his response, CM Fadnavis stated, “The Supreme Court's ruling on OBC reservation carries dual significance. In the prior order (dated May 6), the court mandated that elections be conducted according to the previous OBC reservation (27 percent), a directive that has now been reaffirmed.”
He emphasized that the OBC quota will therefore be enforced in the forthcoming local and civic body elections, highlighting that the Supreme Court confirmed that elections will adhere to the 2017 ward structure, rather than the 2022 ward structure.
“Consequently, both of the state government's requests have been honored. The Supreme Court has sanctioned the upcoming local and civic body elections to proceed with OBC reservation,” he affirmed.
NCP minister and founder of Samata Parishad, Chhagan Bhujbal, also stated that the forthcoming local and civic body elections will take place under the 27 percent OBC reservation alongside the new ward structure.
“In its May 6 decision, the SC determined that elections would proceed with 27 percent reservation. Today's ruling reinforces this previous judgment, stating that elections will utilize a new ward structure,” he explained.
The minister further mentioned that the SC clarified that the configuration of wards and their structure is entirely the responsibility of the state government, which has legislated in this regard.
“There is no suspension of that law. Hence, today’s apex court ruling has set the stage for conducting local and civic body elections in the state with a 27 percent OBC quota and the new ward structure,” he remarked.
NCP SP legislator Jitendra Awhad also praised the apex court’s decision but criticized the MahaYuti government for allegedly squandering three years due to selfish interests.
The local and civic body elections in Maharashtra have been delayed since 2022 due to legal disputes concerning the application of the OBC reservation.
The apex court had previously ordered a status quo on OBC reservation in local body elections in August 2022.
Additionally, petitions challenging the Banthia report in the court have emerged. The Banthia Committee compiled empirical data on OBC, but various OBC organizations contested it.
Point of View
The Supreme Court's ruling on the OBC reservation and new ward structure in Maharashtra is a pivotal moment for local governance. It reflects the judiciary's commitment to ensuring representation for marginalized communities while also addressing the procedural delays in electoral processes. This decision should serve as a reminder of the importance of timely elections in upholding democracy at all levels.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's ruling?
The ruling confirms the implementation of a 27% OBC reservation in local body elections and reinstates the 2017 ward structure, allowing long-delayed elections to proceed.
Why were local body elections delayed?
Elections were postponed due to legal disputes regarding the OBC reservation and challenges to the Banthia report, which affected the electoral process.
What does the new ward structure entail?
The new ward structure is based on the 2017 framework, which has been approved for use in upcoming local elections, as opposed to the 2022 structure.
Who is affected by the OBC reservation?
The OBC reservation aims to ensure representation for Other Backward Classes in local governance, providing them with a fair opportunity in electoral politics.
What has been the response from political leaders?
Political leaders, including CM Fadnavis and NCP ministers, have largely welcomed the ruling, viewing it as a step forward for fair representation in local elections.
