India, June 25 -- In a subtle yet significant move, the Maharashtra government on Monday revised the ward formation process for municipal elections by directing all municipal commissioners to submit the draft ward structure proposals to the urban development department (UDD) instead of the state election commission (SEC). This marks a shift from the earlier notification dated June 10, where submissions were to be made directly to the SEC.

The change effectively gives the state government control over the ward delimitation process before it reaches the election commission for final approval.

A fresh circular issued by the deputy secretary of the UDD, Priyanka Kulkarni Chhapwale, outlined the revised procedure. "As directed by the Supreme...