Administration clears way for Osmanabad–Latur–Beed local bodies’ legislative coucil poll; report sent to EC

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Though the Beed Zilla Parishad elections are still pending, the administration has given a no-objection for conducting elections to the Osmanabad–Latur–Beed local authorities' constituency, paving the way for a key legislative council contest in the region.Election officials have submitted a positive report to the Election Commission, stating that nearly 92% of the total members in the electorate are in place, making the constituency eligible for polls.According to officials, the recommendation to conduct the election was based on the criterion that more than 75% of the total electorate should be constituted. With 92% of members already elected or in position, the returning officer has conveyed that there is no administrative hurdle in proceeding with the election.The constituency has historically seen intense political contests. Senior BJP leader Suresh Dhas had represented the seat in 2018. He has since been elected as an MLA from Ashti in the 2024 assembly elections, triggering internal political activity within the BJP to identify a new candidate for the upcoming contest. Political equations in the constituency have evolved over time. During the Congress-NCP regime, particularly between 2006 and 2012, Congress leader Diliprao Deshmukh held considerable influence in the region. However, as Congress' strength declined, the BJP made its first major push by fielding Suresh Dhas, marking a shift in political dominance.The 2018 election was particularly high-profile. While the BJP fielded Dhas, the NCP extended support to independent candidate Ashok Jagdale. In a dramatic pre-election development, Ramesh Karad, considered close to BJP leader Pankaja Munde, joined the NCP and secured a nomination, only to withdraw his candidature at the last moment. This forced the NCP to back Jagdale.Despite facing adverse numbers, Dhas secured a notable victory by 74 votes, underlining BJP's growing foothold in the constituency. The current political landscape indicates a likely advantage for the BJP. Except for Latur, the party has expanded its influence across municipal councils, municipal corporations and district bodies in Beed and Osmanabad (Dharashiv), encouraging party leaders to actively lobby for candidature.The electorate for the constituency comprises 1,051 members drawn from 33 municipal councils, nagar panchayats and zilla parishads across Latur, Beed and Osmanabad districts. These members, including corporators, zilla parishad members and panchayat samiti chairpersons, are eligible to vote in the election.Officials said that once the legislative council election schedule is finalised, announcements for local body elections are also likely to follow.However, a key caveat remains. If the Beed Zilla Parishad elections are not conducted before the council poll, members from Beed ZP will not be eligible to vote, which could impact the overall electoral arithmetic in the constituency.