Feb 13 • 07:28 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

UP: In the Reservation Tangle, How Many Days Will the Elections for Pradhans, BDC, and District Panchayat Be Delayed?

In Uttar Pradesh, discussions are ongoing regarding the postponement of Panchayat elections due to delays in the reservation process for local bodies.

In Uttar Pradesh, the topic of Panchayat elections is a constant discussion in villages, primarily centered around whether elections for Gram Pradhans, Block Development Committees (BDC), and District Panchayats will take place as scheduled in April-May. The reservation process for these elections has not yet commenced since there is no dedicated OBC commission in the state. As a result, following a submission by the Yogi government in the Lucknow bench of the High Court, it is believed that the Panchayat elections may be delayed indefinitely.

The current OBC commission in Uttar Pradesh had its term expire in October 2025, and while the government has extended its mandate until October 2026, it lacks the legal capacity to conduct the necessary reservation surveys as it does not operate as a dedicated commission. Under its original three-year term, the OBC commission is only authorized to conduct reservation surveys. This means the government must first establish a dedicated OBC commission before any reservation processes can begin for upcoming elections.

The Yogi government has informed the Lucknow bench of the High Court that it will form a dedicated backward class (OBC) commission. This new commission will undertake a 'rapid survey' of backward classes, which is essential to accurately assess the needs and demands of this demographic. The timely establishment of this commission and completion of the survey will be critical in determining whether the Panchayat elections can be held on schedule or will face significant delays.

📡 Similar Coverage