Kalyan-Dombivli Reserved Seats 2026: SC ST OBC Women Ward List and Reservation Details for Kalyan-Dombivli Elections
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, scheduled for January 15, 2026, will feature 122 seats across the civic body governing 1.52 million residents over 67 square kilometers. These polls mark the end of an administrator-led period since the previous term ended in 2022, with voting aligned alongside 28 other Maharashtra municipal corporations including BMC and Thane.
Election Schedule and Process
Voting for KDMC will occur on January 15, 2026, with vote counting on January 16, 2026, as announced by the Maharashtra State Election Commission. The Model Code of Conduct is already in effect, initiating the electoral process following Supreme Court directions that addressed reservation-related delays in several corporations. Nomination filings are expected soon, with candidates required to submit caste certificates and validity proofs for reserved seats. Failure to provide caste validity within six months post-results could lead to election cancellation.
The KDMC’s proposed budget for FY 2025-26 stands at Rs 3,361 crore, underscoring its role in managing urban infrastructure for a densely populated region in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Political alliances like Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena-Eknath Shinde, NCP-Ajit Pawar) and Maha Vikas Aghadi are gearing up for contests, though KDMC-specific seat-sharing details remain fluid.
Total Seats and Overall Reservation Framework
KDMC comprises 122 wards, with reservations determined by a recent draw conducted at Acharya Atre Sabhagruha in Kalyan. While exact ward-wise lists are finalized via this lottery system, the broader Maharashtra municipal elections provide context: across 29 corporations, 2,869 seats include 1,442 reserved for women, 341 for Scheduled Castes (SC), 77 for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 759 for Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 250 general seats.
For KDMC specifically, reservations follow constitutional norms limiting them typically to 50% but allowing flexibility in some cases pending Supreme Court outcomes, as seen in Chandrapur and Nagpur. Seats are categorized as:
- General (Open): Contested by any eligible candidate.
- Women Reserved: Approximately 50% of total seats, often sub-divided by category.
- SC Reserved: Proportional to SC population in the ward.
- ST Reserved: Aligned with ST demographics, fewer in KDMC due to limited tribal presence.
- OBC Reserved: Significant allocation reflecting local demographics, though exact numbers vary by draw.
- Nomadic Tribes: Additional category in some seats.
The reservation draw, announced recently, has influenced party strategies, notably impacting Shiv Sena’s position in key areas. Candidates from reserved categories must prove eligibility through scrutiny committees.
Ward-Wise Reservation Details
The precise ward list emerges from the lottery system, ensuring rotational reservations to promote equity. KDMC’s 122 wards are grouped into zones, with boundaries potentially adjusted for population shifts from redevelopment and infrastructure projects, similar to changes in BMC wards. Typical breakdown estimates, based on population data:
| Category | Estimated Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General | ~40-50 | Open to all castes. |
| Women (All Categories) | ~60-65 | Half of total, including SC/ST/OBC women. |
| SC | ~15-20 | Population-based; includes women sub-reservation. |
| ST | ~2-5 | Minimal due to demographics. |
| OBC | ~40-50 | Key focus; includes nomadic tribes (~75 statewide). |
Exact allocations per ward (e.g., Ward 1-122) are published by the State Election Commission on their portal. For instance, urban wards with higher SC/OBC populations see more reservations, while women quotas rotate biennially. Parties monitor these to field suitable candidates; the recent draw reportedly disadvantaged some incumbents.
Eligibility and Nomination Requirements
Candidates for reserved seats need caste certificates and validity from authorized committees. Pending validity requires proof of application and an undertaking. Spending limits apply: KDMC falls under A or B class, capping at Rs 13-15 lakh per candidate. Over 3.48 crore voters statewide, including KDMC’s share, will participate across 39,147+ polling stations.
Political Context and Voter Expectations
These elections revive democratic governance in KDMC after years of administration. Issues like water supply, roads, and waste management dominate, with reservations ensuring diverse representation. The draw’s outcomes have sparked discussions on equity, as parties adjust tickets. Voters can check ward reservations via Maharashtra SEC website.
As polls near, focus remains on transparent processes amid high stakes for MMR civic bodies. Updated ward lists and final notifications will clarify contests, empowering informed voting.
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