Maharashtra kicked off voting on Saturday morning for key positions in 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, along with 143 vacant member seats in various local bodies. Polling started at 7:30 AM and will continue until 5:30 PM, according to the State Election Commission (SEC).

The first phase of voting saw participation across 263 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, although several municipal presidents and members were elected unopposed. Counting of votes for all areas, including regions that went to polls on December 2, is scheduled to begin at 10 AM on December 21.

The elections have turned competitive in several constituencies, with ruling alliance partners—the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—sometimes contesting against each other. The poll battle has thus become multi-layered, with the BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) also clashing in key areas.

Election officials have ensured all preparations are in place for smooth voting, including security arrangements, electronic voting machines, and voter assistance services. Citizens are being urged to exercise their right to vote responsibly and report any irregularities during the process.