Maharashtra Govt Amends Civic Poll Process To Bring Electoral Ward Boundary-Drafting Under Its Direct Oversight

Mumbai: In a politically charged move, the Maharashtra government has amended the civic poll process to bring electoral ward boundary drafting under its direct oversight through the Urban Development Department (UDD) — a step that could tilt the scales in favour of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming municipal elections.

About The Urban Development Department

The UDD controlled by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, issued fresh directives on Monday asserting its role in the ward reorganisation process. Previously, this was the domain of the State Election Commission (SEC) and local municipal chiefs — a framework designed to ensure impartiality.

Under the revised procedure, civic chiefs must now route the draft of electoral ward boundaries through the UDD before they go to the SEC. After public feedback, the final draft will again pass through the UDD before final publication. The drawing of ward boundaries — determining how city regions are divided for polling — is not just a bureaucratic formality. It’s a key factor in electoral strategy.

Slight shifts in boundaries can alter vote banks, consolidate party loyalist areas, and dilute opposition strongholds. In civic polls with limited voters in a ward and candidates with deep local roots, these changes can swing results. By inserting a powerful bureaucratic layer — the UDD secretariat — the ruling alliance can oversee and potentially influence every ward’s shape and size.

Given the UDD is headed by Shinde, with key officers like Additional Chief Secretary Aseem Kumar Gupta reporting to him, the chain of command is firmly within Mahayuti’s political circle. Gupta doubles as the ACS in Shinde’s secretariat. This strategic change aligns with Mahayuti’s goal to capture civic bodies in Maharashtra, including in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik.

These elections, to be held within 4 months as per Supreme Court orders, are vital. Victory here can consolidate local influence, control budgets, and shape urban policies — all valuable for building electoral momentum. For voters, this change may seem distant, but it directly impacts neighbourhood development.