Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Likely to Be Announced in First Week of March; OBC Reservation Seats to Be Finalized Soon

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The long-awaited Panchayat elections in Rajasthan are likely to be announced in the first week of March, signaling the enforcement of the model code of conduct across the state. The State Election Commission is planning to conduct the elections in three phases, while preparations for the urban local body elections are underway for April.

Speaking at the outgoing Sarpanch (Administrator) state convention held in Jaipur on Monday, State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh confirmed that the elections will proceed as scheduled, irrespective of the timing of the OBC (political representation) commission’s report. The report, which will determine the allocation of OBC-reserved seats, is expected soon. Singh assured that once the report is received, the reservation of seats will be finalized within seven days.

OBC Reservation and Seat Allocation

Questions have been raised about the timeline for finalizing OBC-reserved seats. The Election Commissioner stated that even if the report is delayed, the Commission will act under constitutional and legal provisions to ensure the elections are held on time.

Regarding eligibility criteria such as educational qualifications or the two-child rule for Panch-Sarpanch candidates, Singh clarified that these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state government and legislature. The Commission will conduct elections strictly as per government rules and legal provisions.

Voter Lists and Delimitation

Addressing concerns over newly formed Gram Panchayats and ward delimitation, the Commissioner said that the final publication of ward-wise voter lists was completed on January 29. Objections and claims are now being invited, and the election process will proceed according to the schedule.

Three-Phase Polling Expected

The State Election Commission indicated that elections for Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads where terms have expired and administrators are in place will be held simultaneously. Decisions regarding elections for bodies with ongoing terms will be taken by the state government. The Commission aims to complete the election process before March 31, taking into account public holidays, with the model code of conduct becoming effective from the date of announcement.

It is notable that on January 5, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to ensure that Panchayat and municipal elections are conducted within the stipulated timeframe, with the entire process to be completed by April 15, 2026. The directive came while dismissing a petition challenging Panchayat delimitation.