Election Overview
The 2026 elections for Maharashtra's Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis have concluded, with vote counting revealing a closely fought contest across
the state. These elections, often seen as a barometer for state-level political sentiment, involved deciding outcomes for 731 Zilla Parishad seats and 1,462 Panchayat Samiti seats. Voting day saw an average turnout of approximately 67 percent, indicating significant voter engagement. The electoral landscape is primarily characterized by a fierce competition between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and the NCP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Sharad Pawar's NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Congress. The outcome of these elections is particularly significant following recent political shifts within the state.
District Highlights
Across Maharashtra's districts, the election results are painting a dynamic picture. In Pune, a district with 73 Zilla Parishad seats, key battlegrounds like Baramati and Indapur are seeing intense counting, with particular attention on Baramati. Raigad, with 59 seats, is experiencing strong competition, notably between the BJP and the Shekap party. Sangli, boasting 60 seats, is witnessing tactical local alliances forming to gain an edge. Parbhani, where 54 Zilla Parishad seats are up for grabs, recorded the highest voter turnout at 74.89 percent, highlighting significant public participation. Kolhapur's 67 seats are the stage for traditional rivalries facing off, while Latur's 58 seats are marked by a classic Congress versus BJP stronghold contest in areas like Latur Rural and Nilanga. As official declarations are made, early trends suggest a competitive environment across these significant regions.
Winner Announcements
The official declaration of winners for the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections is underway, with results being confirmed by Returning Officers. While many results are still pending official confirmation, early indicators provide insights into the political dynamics at play. For instance, in the Pune Zilla Parishad, the counting is in progress. Similarly, for Raigad Zilla Parishad, official confirmation is awaited. However, in Parbhani Zilla Parishad, early trends indicate a lead for candidates belonging to the Mahayuti alliance in approximately three circles. In a notable development, Pallavi Khetre, representing Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, has been declared a winner from Baramati. This page will be continuously updated with the latest outcomes, including candidate names and party standings as they become available.
