Chandrapur Reserved Seats 2026: SC ST OBC Women Ward List and Reservation Details for Chandrapur Elections
The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for early 2026, feature significant reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women, amid ongoing adjustments to comply with legal limits. With 66 total seats, approximately 35 are reserved, pushing the overall reservation quota to 53%, which exceeds the 50% cap set by Supreme Court guidelines.
Election Schedule and Supreme Court Directives
Maharashtra’s State Election Commission has announced polls for 29 municipal corporations, including Chandrapur, with voting set for January 15, 2026. This follows Supreme Court permission to proceed despite reservation exceedances in Chandrapur and Nagpur Municipal Corporations. Results in these two bodies will remain subject to pending apex court petitions, ensuring elections move forward while legal challenges are resolved.
The delay in holding these elections stems from prolonged disputes over OBC reservations, unresolved since 2022. Recent Supreme Court orders have allowed the process to resume, prioritizing voter participation across urban centers. For Chandrapur, this means aspirants and parties are preparing for a high-stakes contest in reserved wards.
Total Seats and Reservation Breakdown
Chandrapur Municipal Corporation has 66 councillor seats, of which 35 fall under reserved categories. This includes substantial allocations for women, with nearly half of all civic seats—around 33—reserved for female candidates, reflecting a strong push for gender parity in local governance.
Statewide trends in the 29 municipal corporations provide context: out of 2,869 seats, reservations include 242 for women (about 33% overall), 142 for SC, 67 for ST, and 75 for Nomadic Tribes, alongside OBC quotas. In Chandrapur, the exact mix combines SC, ST, OBC, and women reservations, contributing to the 53% total. Specific OBC inclusions have been a key factor in breaching the 50% ceiling, as confirmed by administrative sources.
| Category | Approximate Seats in Chandrapur (out of 66) | Statewide Context (29 Corporations) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seats | 66 | 2,869 |
| Reserved Seats | 35 (53%) | Varies; exceeds 50% in some |
| Women | ~33 (50%) | 242 |
| SC | Portion of 35 | 142 |
| ST | Portion of 35 | 67 |
| OBC/Nomadic Tribes | Portion of 35 | 75 (Nomadic) |
Ward List and Reservation Details
Detailed ward-wise reservations for Chandrapur were announced recently, sparking discussions among candidates and voters. While the full list is available through official State Election Commission notifications and district portals, key highlights include a balanced distribution across the corporation’s wards. Women dominate the reservations, with over 50% of seats earmarked for them, promoting greater female representation in decision-making.
SC and ST seats are allocated based on population proportions in specific wards, ensuring proportional representation. OBC reservations, pivotal in recent delays, have been factored in post-Supreme Court clearance on data collection via commissions like the Jayant Kumar Banthia panel. Candidates for reserved seats must submit caste certificates and validity proofs with nominations; pending validations require undertakings for submission within six months post-results.
The multi-member ward system applies, except in bodies like Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Electronic voting machines will be used without voter verifiable paper audit trails, as per SEC rules. Over 3.48 crore voters statewide, including Chandrapur’s electorate, are eligible, drawn from Election Commission of India lists.
Challenges and Implications
Chandrapur’s reservation exceedance mirrors issues in 32 urban local bodies in the Nagpur division, where 39 seats were deferred earlier due to quota breaches and procedural lapses. Political parties are recalibrating strategies, with the Model Code of Conduct active in affected areas. This election holds importance for grassroots strengthening, influencing future state and national contests.
For updates on the precise ward list, residents can check the Chandrapur district election branch portal or contact local tehsil offices. Voter registration remains open via NVSP or offline forms, with BLO verification ensuring accuracy. As polls approach, focus remains on transparent quota implementation and inclusive participation.
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