Maharashtra Local Elections: Strains and Delays Amid Political Tensions

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have expressed a commitment to focus on grassroots issues amid tensions regarding local body elections in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission postponed elections in several municipal councils, setting a new polling date of December 20 due to court order delays.

In the midst of growing political tensions in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde admitted to a recent exchange of allegations with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Both leaders, however, emphasized the importance of focusing on local issues and the fundamental role of party workers in the upcoming local body elections.

Addressing the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shinde acknowledged the disputes with Fadnavis but reiterated that local elections must concentrate on grassroots concerns. He highlighted the necessity for senior leaders to support party workers without indulging in wider political controversies. In concurrence, Fadnavis vowed to refrain from derogatory comments and focused solely on campaigning for party candidates.

In an unrelated development, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has deferred elections in several municipal councils in Pune district. The SEC's decision came following district court delays in delivering verdicts on essential appeals, prompting the rescheduling of affected polls to December 20, officials confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)