Pune: Municipal Elections Likely Delayed as Maharashtra Govt Extends Deadline for Final Ward Maps to October
Mumbai/Pune, 24th June 2025: The upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, may be pushed back by a month following the state government’s decision to extend the deadline for finalising ward boundaries from September 4 to October 6, according to senior officials.
With this revised timeline, elections to municipal bodies across the state are now likely to take place in late November or early December, instead of the earlier expected schedule.
One-Month Extension Alters Poll Timeline
A senior official in the Urban Development Department confirmed the development, saying, “The final notification of ward boundaries is a critical step before issuing the election schedule. With the deadline now extended to October 6, the actual voting process will have to be deferred accordingly.”
The BMC, the country’s richest civic body, is set to retain its existing 227 wards. The previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had increased the number to 236, citing population growth. However, the Mahayuti government, led by the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance, reversed that decision, arguing that ward boundaries must be based on the 2011 Census data, which does not warrant an increase in the number of wards.
Census, Not Voter Numbers, Will Determine Wards
An official from the Urban Development Department explained that, as per government orders, “Ward boundaries must be drawn strictly according to 2011 Census figures. The number of current voters or residents cannot be considered for this purpose. It’s a population-based exercise, not one based on electoral rolls.”
The circular issued to municipal commissioners across the state directs them to finalise new draft ward boundaries as per the latest instructions. “Minor adjustments may be made to the boundaries based on geography or urban planning norms, but no changes will be allowed beyond what is justified by the census data,” the official added.
BMC to Make Minor Adjustments If Needed
While the total number of wards in Mumbai will remain unchanged, the BMC administration may make marginal modifications to existing boundaries to comply with technical norms laid down by the state. This could affect a few wards where geographical, administrative, or demographic characteristics have shifted over time.
With political parties gearing up for a high-stakes battle for control over Mumbai’s civic body, the delay may also provide them additional time for strategy and candidate selection.
