India, Feb. 1 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided not to campaign in the upcoming rural local body elections following the death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Fadnavis's decision came on Saturday, three days after the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati.

He reportedly communicated that he will not take part in any election-related campaign, news agency PTI reported.

Fadnavis instructed local leaders and party office-bearers to campaign for the polls scheduled for February 7.

Elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will take place on February 7, a date which was revised following the death of Ajit Pawar.

Campaigning will end on February 5. The date was revised citing the three-day mour...