Mumbai, Correspondent

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ruled out the possibility of postponing the upcoming local body elections, asserting that the Supreme Court’s directives mandate the completion of the election process within a specified timeframe.

“Regardless of the opposition’s wishes, elections cannot be deferred. The Supreme Court’s order is clear — the process must go on,” Fadnavis told reporters. He further expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance would once again win the people’s mandate in Maharashtra.

Opposition parties including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Maha Vikas Aghadi, and the MNS have criticized the Election Commission and the ruling coalition over errors and duplicate entries in the voter lists, demanding corrections before the polls.

Reacting to these criticisms, Fadnavis dismissed the demand to delay the elections and emphasized that the poll notification has already been issued, leaving no scope for postponement.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) chief Uddhav Thackeray is on a tour of Marathwada, attacking the government over its alleged failure to deliver crop loan waivers and flood relief to affected farmers. Under his campaign banner “Dagabaaz Re” (Betrayers), Thackeray has accused the state of betraying the farming community.

Taking a dig at him, Fadnavis remarked, “I’m happy that Thackeray has finally stepped out of his house. He only knows how to taunt others — show me one speech where he has spoken about development.”

Fadnavis also clarified that while some Mahayuti partners might contest separately in certain local bodies, the alliance remains intact. “Whether we contest together or not, our three parties stand united. Just like in the Assembly elections, voters will support Mahayuti candidates again,” he said confidently.

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