Gujarat is gearing up for a series of local elections, expected to take place in the first quarter of this year, according to sources. These polls include regular elections for the Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC), Kheda district panchayat, and several taluka panchayats, along with mid-term elections and by-polls for vacant seats across municipalities, municipal corporations, district, and taluka panchayats.
As per sources and media reports, the elections will cover 73 municipalities, including Bavla, Sanand, Dhandhuka, Mansa, Mahemdavad, Dakor, Chaklasi, Mahudha, Kheda, and numerous others across the state.
Key municipal corporations will hold by-polls for vacant seats in ward number 07 in Ahmedabad, ward 03 in Bhavnagar, and ward 18 in Surat. Notifications have already been issued for 44 seats in Kheda district panchayat, 24 in Kathlal taluka panchayat, 26 in Kapadwanj taluka panchayat, and 28 in Gandhinagar taluka panchayat.
Local Polls Delayed Since 2 Years
Preparations for the elections, delayed for two years since the last five-year term ended, are now in full swing. The election process had been on hold due to delays in implementing a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies.
Following recommendations from the Justice Jhaveri Commission, the state government approved the reservation in August 2023, aligning with a Supreme Court mandate requiring population-based data for such allocations. Previously, OBC reservations in Gujarat’s local bodies were at 10%.
An official involved in poll preparations told a section of the media, “Following the notifications, the State Election Commission will announce the seats under the new delimitations, setting the stage for the elections.”
These steps will facilitate elections for Kheda and Banaskantha district panchayats, 17 taluka panchayats, 73 municipalities, and 5,319 gram panchayats, alongside additional polls to fill 84 vacant seats.
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