38 candidates in fray; polling from 8 am to 4 pm across six districts, counting on October 27
Nagpur: The election machinery is ready for polling in the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Friday, October 23. A total of 2,55,603 registered voters across six districts will exercise their franchise at 445 polling centres between 8 am and 4 pm. As many as 38 candidates are contesting the election.
The administration has completed the necessary arrangements, including the deployment of polling teams, officers and staff, to ensure that voting is conducted smoothly, transparently and peacefully. The preparations have been carried out under the guidance of Electoral Registration Officer and Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari.
Of the total electorate, 1,47,280 are men, 1,08,301 are women and 22 belong to the ‘other’ category.
According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, the election notification was issued on September 29, 2026. October 6 was the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny took place on October 7. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations was October 9, after which 38 candidates remained in the contest.
Nagpur district accounts for highest number of voters
Nagpur district has the largest electorate, with 1,44,466 registered voters, followed by Chandrapur with 32,262, Gondia with 22,176, Wardha with 21,742, Bhandara with 21,349 and Gadchiroli with 13,608.
Nagpur also has the highest number of polling centres, with 246. Chandrapur has 58 centres, Wardha 41, Gondia 39, Bhandara 35 and Gadchiroli 26.
Over 2,500 officials deployed for polling
A total of 2,535 government officers and employees have been assigned election duties across the six districts. In addition, 476 officers from the Central Government have been made available for the process. Gadchiroli district has also been provided with 32 officers from Central public sector undertakings.
Polling teams have collected election materials from the designated distribution centres and departed for their respective polling stations under security arrangements. Officials said the necessary administrative and security measures had been completed to ensure peaceful voting.
Counting on October 27
Counting of votes will take place on Tuesday, October 27, at the Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur, Nagpur. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed before October 31.
Four-hour concession for private-sector employees
Registered voters employed in private establishments will receive a special four-hour concession to enable them to cast their votes, replacing the earlier two-hour concession. The direction was issued by Electoral Registration Officer and Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari.
Employees registered as voters in graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies are also eligible for special casual leave as per applicable rules. This leave will be in addition to the regular casual leave available to them.
