Odisha revises plan for ward delimitation, seat reservation ahead of urban local polls

The Odisha government has revised the plan for delimitation of constituencies and reservation of seats for municipalities and notified area councils (NACs) in the run-up to the upcoming municipal body elections next year.

Municipal Administrator Arindam Dakua, in a letter to the Collectors of all districts except Boudh, raised the issue of the draft notice inviting objections and suggestions to the proposed delimitation of wards and reservation of seats – under Section 12(3-A)(a) of the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950 read with Rule 2-A(1) of the Odisha Delimitation of Elections Municipal (Delimitation of Wards Delimitation) Rules Municipal) 1994 — must be completed by the District Magistrates by September 24.

By October 3, objections and suggestions will come to the municipalities. Advance notification regarding delimitation of departments and reservation of seats will be published by 7th October 2026.

According to the new schedule, appeals against the advance notice can be filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development between October 7 and October 21, 2026.

The State Government will hear and dispose of the appeal between October 26 and 28. Following this process, the District Magistrates will issue a final Notice of Demarcation and Reservation by 31 October 2026, which will include any changes arising from the handling of appeals.

Officials have been asked to take immediate steps to ensure that the entire process of delimitation and reservation takes place exactly as per the revised schedule, underscoring the government’s efforts to keep preparations for the municipal elections on track.

The municipal body elections will be held after the panchayat polls early next year. The delimitation and reservation of seats is eagerly awaited as it would change the equation on the ground and established candidates may have to look for safe seats.

Published – 19 Sep 2026 02:46 IST