Polling to take place in 1,166 gram panchayats on Oct 13

Mumbai: The State Election Commission on Wednesday announced the third round of local body elections—the biggest so far, in 1,166 gram panchayats—on October 13. Not only will the OBC reservations applicable in these polls, but voters will also be able to vote directly for the sarpanches of panchayats as opposed to the earlier system in which elected members chose the sarpanch. Making the announcement, State Election Commissioner UPS Madon said the election code of conduct had come into effect with the announcement and that counting will take place on October 14. While voters in 18 districts will cast their votes from 7.30 am till 5.30 pm, voting will close at 3 pm in Naxalaffected districts. The reservations will be applicable as per the percentages decided by the backward class commission, SEC officials said.

This is the biggest round of local body elections after the Eknath Shinde government came to power. On August 05, 271 gram panchayats had gone to polls, and the BJP has emerged at the top with 82 seats and the Shinde faction had bagged 40 seats, while NCP had emerged at the top in the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with 51 seats followed by Shiv Sena and Congress with 20- odd seats. On August 12, a second round of polls were announced and are scheduled to be held in 608 gram panchayats across 51 tehsils on September 18.