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Uttar Pradesh will hold panchayat elections before July 2026, with no extension in the tenure of local representatives. The government also clarified its stance on OBC reservation ahead of the polls.
UP Panchayat elections to be held before July
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared uncertainty over the timing of panchayat elections, confirming that polls will be conducted before July 2026 without extending the tenure of existing representatives.
State Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar said elections for gram panchayats, block panchayats, and district panchayats will be completed within the stipulated timeframe. He added that the government will adhere to court directions and ensure that the process proceeds without delays.
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The announcement brings clarity amid speculation over whether the tenure of elected representatives might be extended.
The minister stated that the terms of gram pradhans, block chiefs, district panchayat members, and chairpersons will not be extended beyond July. Although their tenures end at different times, the government plans to align the election schedule within the same deadline.
Authorities are preparing the election roadmap keeping this timeline in mind.
The State Election Commission and administrative departments have been directed to accelerate preparations. Officials are working to finalise logistics, voter arrangements, and other procedural requirements ahead of the polls.
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On the issue of reservation, the government indicated that OBC quotas will be determined based on the 2011 Census data. The minister said a proposal to constitute a Backward Classes Commission is expected to be cleared in the next Cabinet meeting.
Officials added that the earlier reservation cycle will continue, and no fresh caste survey will be conducted for this purpose.
Once the commission submits its report, authorities will finalise seat reservations and announce the election schedule. The upcoming panchayat elections are expected to be a key political exercise, with preparations now gaining momentum across the state.
