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The excitement for local self-government elections in Maharashtra has once again intensified. The draft reservation list for the wards of Jalgaon and Malegaon Municipal Corporation has been released by the State Election Commission. As soon as this list came out, political activities in both the cities suddenly intensified. From potential candidates to political parties and common citizens—everyone’s eyes are now fixed on this draft, as it will decide which wards will be reserved for which categories in the upcoming elections.

The Election Commission has prepared this draft on the basis of population structure, social representation, participation of women and proportion of backward classes. According to the list, extensive changes have been made in the reservation categories in many wards as compared to the previous term, which has given a new twist to the strategies of many veteran leaders and political families. At the same time, this change can also open doors of opportunity for many new faces.

According to the draft list released in Jalgaon Municipal Corporation, new division of wards has been made into general, SC, ST, OBC and women reservation categories. Many wards which were earlier in the general category have now been included in the reserved categories. Especially with the reservation of new wards under Women-General and Women-OBC, it is expected that women leadership will be promoted in the Municipal Corporation. With this, a new direction can be seen in the politics of Jalgaon.

At the same time, the reservation process in Malegaon Municipal Corporation has been prepared keeping in mind the local population and social ratio. OBC and women reservations have been increased in many wards to ensure social balance and representation in this Muslim-majority city. Apart from this, it has been suggested to include some wards in SC category for the first time. Due to this, there is a possibility of seeing a big change in the political environment of Malegaon.

With the release of the draft list, the Commission has set a deadline for citizens and political parties to lodge objections and suggestions. The Commission has also clarified that the reservation process is completely transparent and each ward has been calculated as per the official figures and population structure. The final reservation list will be published after reviewing the objections.

Mixed reactions are being seen among the citizens regarding this draft. Many people are calling it a positive step towards social justice and diversity, while some citizens say that the continuously changing nature of reservation can affect the continuity of development work. Voices are also being raised from many places that the reservation process should be made more clear and simple, so that it is easier for the common citizens to understand.

On the other hand, potential candidates in both Jalgaon and Malegaon have started preparations according to their new political mathematics. The leaders who are not in a position to contest elections as their wards have been reserved, have started looking for new wards. At the same time, many new faces are believing that the change in reservation will give them a chance to make a place in the regional leadership.

This draft of reservation list has suddenly heated up the election atmosphere in both the cities. After the upcoming final list and then election schedule is decided, the direction of politics of Jalgaon and Malegaon will become more clear. At present, this draft list seems to be proving to be the foundation of municipal politics in the coming years.