District & Panchayat Polls Rescheduled to Feb 7; Counting on Feb 9

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : Due to the three-day mourning declared across the state following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the remaining phases of the general elections for 12 district councils and 125 Panchayat Samitis have been rescheduled. Voting will now take place on February 7, 2026, instead of February 5, and counting will be held on February 9, 2026, instead of February 7.

The State Election Commission had announced the election schedule for these district councils and Panchayat Samitis on January 13, 2026. Processes such as filing and withdrawal of nominations, allocation of election symbols, and publication of the final list of candidates have already been completed. The remaining stages include polling, counting of votes, and publication of elected members’ names in the government gazette.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court had allowed an extension of only two weeks beyond January 31, 2026, for these elections. However, considering the state government’s declaration of mourning from January 28 to January 30, 2026, due to the untimely passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the remaining phases of the elections have been adjusted accordingly.

The respective District Collectors will issue notifications regarding the revised election schedule on January 31, 2026. Polling will now be conducted on February 7, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the official election campaigning ending at 10:00 p.m. on February 5. Counting of votes will begin at 10:00 a.m. on February 9, 2026. The election code of conduct will conclude once the results are announced.

The names of the elected members will be officially published in the Government Gazette by February 11, 2026.