Jalgaon Reserved Seats 2026: SC ST OBC Women Ward List and Reservation Details for Jalgaon Elections
The Jalgaon Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for January 15, 2026, feature a structured reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women across its 75 seats. This process ensures representation for marginalized groups in the city’s governance, with polling set for a single phase and results on January 16, 2026.
Election Overview and Timeline
Jalgaon is one of 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra going to polls simultaneously, as announced by the State Election Commission. The elections cover major urban centers, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, with over 3.48 crore voters eligible statewide. For Jalgaon, the ward reservation process involved a draw of lots conducted transparently in the presence of political party representatives. Draft lists of ward reservations have been released, allowing for objections before final approval by the State Election Commission.
Nominations must be filed offline, accompanied by affidavits on assets, liabilities, and criminal records. Candidates from reserved categories need caste and validity certificates. Voter lists are based on the July 1, 2025, update, and the Model Code of Conduct is already in effect. This setup prepares the ground for competitive contests shaping Jalgaon’s administration for the next five years.
Reservation Breakdown: Total Seats and Categories
Jalgaon Municipal Corporation comprises 75 seats distributed across multiple wards, typically following a multi-member ward system similar to other Maharashtra civic bodies. Reservations are allocated as follows:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 5 seats
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 4 seats
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 19 seats
- General Category: Remaining seats to total 75
Additionally, 50% of all seats—37 or 38—are reserved for women, applied across caste-based and general categories. Women candidates can also contest from unreserved seats, promoting gender balance in decision-making.
Ward Structure and Reservation Process
The reservation for Jalgaon’s wards, along with those in Dhule, Ahmednagar, and Malegaon, was determined through a lucky draw. This method ensures fairness, with the process completed swiftly and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. The draft lists specify reservations ward-wise, enabling parties to strategize candidate selection accordingly.
Objections to the draft can be submitted to the corporation, which will review them before forwarding the final list to the State Election Commission for endorsement. Once approved, the official ward-wise reservation details will be published, guiding nominations and campaigns.
Implications for SC, ST, OBC, and Women Representation
The allocation of 5 SC seats underscores efforts to include historically disadvantaged communities in urban governance. ST reservations at 4 seats reflect Jalgaon’s demographic needs in North Maharashtra. OBCs receive the largest quota at 19 seats, acknowledging their significant population share.
Women’s reservation at 50% aligns with Maharashtra’s civic poll norms, seen in bodies like Nashik (63 of 122 seats) and Pune (83 of 165). This horizontal reservation cuts across vertical caste categories, fostering diverse leadership. Political parties, including those in the Mahayuti alliance, are intensifying preparations, with seat-sharing discussions underway in larger corporations like BMC.
Key Procedures and Voter Information
Voters in Jalgaon will use updated lists from the Election Commission of India, with no additions or deletions by the State Election Commission. Polling stations will be established based on ward voter numbers, similar to Pune’s model of 800-900 voters per station. Expenditure limits for candidates stand at Rs 15 lakh, as in other corporations.
Duplicate electors must affirm they have not voted elsewhere via affidavit at polling booths. This rigorous framework maintains electoral integrity amid high-stakes contests for 2,869 seats statewide.
Political Context and Expectations
With ward reservations finalized, focus shifts to candidate announcements and alliances. Independents and smaller parties like the Republican Party of India have previously secured seats in similar polls. In Jalgaon, the 75-seat council will influence local issues like infrastructure, water supply, and urban development.
The process mirrors statewide trends, where 50% women’s quota and caste reservations balance representation. As January 15 approaches, Jalgaon’s electorate anticipates a poll that reflects its diverse social fabric.
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