Maharashtra Legislative Council Polls Scheduled for June 18

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confirmed that biennial polls for 17 legislative council seats in Maharashtra will take place on June 18. This decision marks a significant step in addressing the legislative backlog caused by delayed civic body elections.

Nominations are slated to commence on May 25, with the scrutiny of candidates scheduled for June 2 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures on June 4. The election process will culminate in the counting of votes on June 22.

These elections are critical for the local authorities' constituencies, including a by-election in Nagpur. Previous delays were due to incomplete local bodies and the non-fulfillment of ECI's criteria. The BJP-led Mahayuti is anticipated to perform well given their prior majority in local bodies' elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)