Nagpur: Hopes for early elections to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) were once again dashed as the Supreme Court postponed its crucial hearing on the matter from January 22 to January 28, and now further to February 25. The prolonged legal battle has pushed local body elections across Maharashtra into uncertainty, leaving civic administration in limbo.
Former corporators have voiced growing frustration over the repeated delays, noting that civic bodies, including NMC, have remained in a state of suspended animation for nearly three years. The NMC’s elected General Body was dissolved in March 2022, and since then, governance has been handled by an Administrator — the Municipal Commissioner — instead of elected representatives.
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Tuesday 28 Jan. 2025
Following the recent State Assembly elections, political parties had begun preparations for local body polls, anticipating an announcement after the Supreme Court’s January 22 verdict. However, with the latest adjournment, sources suggest the elections may not be held before October. Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had hinted at a possible April timeline, provided the court ruling came on time.
Legal complexities hindering elections
The delay stems from multiple legal issues pending in the Supreme Court, including concerns over OBC reservation, the number of wards, the distribution of corporators per ward, and the overall ward formation process. Legal experts argue that the sheer volume of data and complexities in civic representation are key reasons for the protracted litigation.
Frustration grows among former Corporators
A former Chairman of NMC’s Standing Committee lamented the repeated adjournments, stating, “The delay is disappointing. Development projects have stalled, and without an elected body, the administration lacks accountability. Elections must be held soon to restore public trust and revive progress.”
Ex-corporators also highlighted the impact on governance, stressing that local bodies serve as the first point of contact for citizens. “An elected body ensures responsiveness and accessibility– something missing under the administrator’s rule,” one former corporator remarked.
A former Congress corporator echoed similar concerns, criticizing the administration’s inefficiency. “Despite our efforts to raise civic issues, bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult to get work done. The absence of an elected body is affecting not just political representatives but also citizens who depend on them for civic redressal,” he said.
An independent former corporator warned of the long-term impact of continued delays, saying, “Without elections, there is no transparency or accountability. Governance at the grassroots level is suffering.”
Former corporators argue that the administrative confusion is exacerbated by overlapping responsibilities of agencies such as NMC, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), and the district administration. Many have reiterated their demand for NIT’s dissolution and its merger with NMC to streamline governance.
Additionally, they emphasized the need for elections under a ward-based system rather than a divisional setup to ensure better representation of public concerns. “Every passing delay adds to the public’s woes. The sooner elections are conducted, the better it will be for citizens,” they stressed.
With the Supreme Court hearing now set for February 25, all eyes remain on the judiciary. Until a legal resolution is reached, both the administration and Nagpur’s residents remain in limbo, waiting for clarity on when democracy will be restored at the local level.
