Maharashtra Polls Rescheduled to Feb 7 After Ajit Pawar's Demise

• The remaining phases of elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra have been rescheduled to February 7.
• The original polling date of February 5 was shifted due to the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and a three-day state mourning period.
• Vote counting will now occur on February 9, instead of the previously scheduled February 7.
• The Supreme Court had granted a two-week extension for these elections beyond January 31.
• District Collectors are instructed to publish the revised election program on January 31, with public campaigning ending on February 5, 2026.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra local body elections are postponed to February 7 due to Ajit Pawar's death and state mourning.