Maharashtra assembly polls likely to be held after Diwali: Report
Elections in Maharashtra may be held only after Diwali, i.e. after November 2, according to the Times of India. Notably, a new government in Maharashtra needs to be constituted before November 26, the end date of the current administration's tenure.
The Election Commission of India has announced election dates for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana but not for Maharashtra. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar cited security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir as the primary reason for deferring Maharashtra's elections. Additionally, he mentioned that the updating of the voter list in Maharashtra was delayed due to the ongoing monsoon season. The state is also currently engaged in significant cultural and religious activities, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Pitru Paksha, and Diwali, which complicates the electoral process if elections are held immediately.
Sources within the ruling party indicated the importance of smooth observance of Janmashtami and the Ganesh festival. They noted that Pitru Paksha, a period in which no auspicious work is undertaken, follows these festivals. «Navratri is a busy season and then Dussera, which will be followed by Diwali. Festivities end on November 2, and the election campaign can be taken up from November 3,» they added.
The MVA, however, criticized the government and the Election Commission for the timing of the elections. Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar noted the possibility of elections being conducted in November. He argued that the political atmosphere in the state currently favors
