Supreme Court’s Deadline Sparks Political Reactions in Maharashtra

The Supreme Court's directive mandating the conclusion of Maharashtra's local body polls by January 31, 2026, has sparked mixed reactions from the state's political landscape. This order, Sunday into complying after being resisted since 2022, has been hailed by opposition parties such as the NCP (SP) and Congress.

Clyde Crasto, a spokesperson for the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), called on the BJP-led Maharashtra government and the State Election Commission to immediately adhere to the court's mandate, urging strict actions by the apex court if compliance fails. Congress deems this order as indicative of government inefficiency.

On the contrary, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader, Eknath Shinde, maintaining confidence, stated that the Mahayuti coalition is prepared to win the upcoming elections. Elections had previously been stuck on the reorganization of wards, but Shinde insists that they will be conducted efficiently and according to the State Election Commission's schedule.

(With inputs from agencies.)