Ulhasnagar Reserved Seats 2026: SC ST OBC Women Ward List and Reservation Details for Ulhasnagar Elections

Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) elections, scheduled for January 15, 2026, will feature 78 seats across the city’s wards, with reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women as per Maharashtra’s municipal poll guidelines. These reservations aim to ensure representation for marginalized groups under the four-member ward system adopted by most state municipal corporations, excluding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Overview of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation

Ulhasnagar, spanning 28 square kilometers and serving a population of approximately 5.06 lakh residents, operates under UMC with a proposed budget of Rs 7,988 crore for FY 2025-26. The corporation’s previous elected term ended in 2022, paving the way for fresh polls in 2026 alongside 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra, including BMC, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. Polling is set for a single phase on January 15, with vote counting on January 16, following the Maharashtra State Election Commission’s announcement. The Model Code of Conduct is already in effect, influencing campaign activities.

Four-Member Ward System in Ulhasnagar

Maharashtra has implemented a four-member ward structure for municipal corporations like Ulhasnagar to enhance local democracy. Each ward elects four corporators, leading to Ulhasnagar’s total of 78 seats, which implies around 19-20 wards. This system contrasts with BMC’s individual ward model and has drawn mixed reactions, with ruling parties highlighting its democratic benefits and opposition questioning delays in elections.

Reservation Framework for 2026 Elections

Reservations in Maharashtra’s civic polls follow state and national guidelines, prioritizing SC, ST, OBC categories, and a significant quota for women. Across 29 municipal corporations, including Ulhasnagar, the seat breakup includes 341 SC, 77 ST, 759 OBC, 1,442 women-reserved, and 250 general seats, totaling 2,869. Ulhasnagar’s 78 seats will proportionally reflect these categories, though exact numbers depend on the final ward-wise delimitation by the State Election Commission.

SC, ST, and OBC Reservations

Scheduled Castes (SC) typically receive reservations based on population proportions, similar to the 341 seats statewide. Scheduled Tribes (ST) quotas are smaller, mirroring the 77 seats across all corporations. Other Backward Classes (OBC) hold the largest reserved category at 759 seats statewide, indicating substantial allocation in Ulhasnagar given its demographic profile. These reservations rotate across election cycles and wards to ensure equitable representation. Candidates from these categories must provide valid certificates during nominations.

Women Reservation Details

Women reservations constitute nearly half of total seats, with 1,442 allocated across Maharashtra’s municipal polls. In Ulhasnagar, this translates to about 39 seats reserved for women, often intersecting with SC/ST/OBC categories—for instance, specific seats for SC women or OBC women. This 50% quota promotes gender balance in local governance, requiring at least two women per four-member ward in many cases. Political parties are strategizing around these seats, factoring in spending limits of Rs 9-15 lakh per candidate depending on corporation class.

Expected Ward List and Reservation Patterns

While the precise ward list and reservation chart for Ulhasnagar 2026 awaits official release from the State Election Commission, patterns from prior elections and statewide data suggest a structured rotation. Wards are likely delimited into 19-20 multi-member units covering key areas like Ulhasnagar East, West, and Camp. Reservations will be notified post-draft boundary publications, similar to BMC’s recent updates affecting 20-25% of wards due to population shifts.

Key Areas and Potential Reservations

• Ulhasnagar East Wards: Likely to see OBC and women-heavy reservations given dense urban populations.
• Ulhasnagar West: SC and ST seats possible in industrial zones with historical migrant communities.
• Camp and Peripheral Wards: Mix of general, OBC, and women quotas to balance representation.

Voters and aspirants should monitor SEC notifications for the final list, expected soon after boundary finalization. Historical data indicates rotations ensure no category dominates the same ward consecutively.

Political Context and Implications

The elections occur amid shifting alliances in Ulhasnagar, where the Kalani family’s TOK party faces challenges, including defections to BJP. Figures like two-time corporator Rekha Thakur’s switch highlight intensifying competition. Major alliances, including Mahayuti and MVA, are negotiating seat shares, with implications for reserved categories. BJP eyes gains in OBC and women seats, while others counter in SC/ST segments.

Candidates in reserved seats must align with category-specific eligibility, influencing ticket distribution. The Supreme Court has set January 31, 2026, as the final deadline for completing these polls, underscoring urgency.

Preparation Tips for Voters and Candidates

Voters in Ulhasnagar’s over 3.48 crore electorate across Maharashtra should verify rolls and polling stations. Candidates face nomination deadlines soon, with EVM-based voting using control and ballot units. Awareness of reservations ensures fair participation, fostering inclusive civic governance.

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