Nagpur: The Maharashtra Legislature’s Winter Session, set to open in Nagpur this week, is poised to begin on an uneasy note as the extended model code of conduct for Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections threatens to block major policy decisions, particularly those concerning long-standing demands from Vidarbha.
Traditionally held in Nagpur under the historic Nagpur Pact, this year’s session has already suffered a major cut, from the original 12-day schedule (December 8–19) to just seven days, now ending on December 14 following a decision in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). The shortened calendar has intensified anxiety among stakeholders expecting decisive action from the government.
Gold Rate
04 dec 2025
The disruption stems from a crucial order of the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, which directed that counting for all Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat polls be conducted on December 21. As a result, the model code of conduct, initially set to lapse on December 4, will now remain firmly in place until counting concludes, officials confirmed. Earlier delays had already pushed voting in some bodies to December 20, but the court’s directive synchronised counting for all local bodies, effectively extending restrictions for nearly three additional weeks.
Major decisions likely on hold
Political watchers note that the Winter Session is typically the annual opportunity when the government addresses Vidarbha-specific issues, unresolved irrigation backlogs, farmer suicides, industrial stagnation, wildlife-human conflict and unemployment. However, with the code in force, the government may be legally barred from making major announcements or introducing relief packages.
The timing has hit the region hard. Excess rain devastated crops this year, leaving orange, rice, cotton and soybean farmers desperate for financial assistance and immediate compensation. Many expected major relief measures or even a loan waiver during the session, despite the government’s earlier Rs 32,000-crore aid package.
Political firestorm
Opposition voices have sharply condemned the government for what they call an “escape tactic.” Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the seven-day duration, stating: “A seven-day session is nothing but an escape route. The government is hiding behind the code of conduct because it doesn’t want to face people’s issues.” He accused the ruling Mahayuti of lacking transparency and courage to confront ground realities.
With the code active until December 21 and only a week of Assembly time available, both political analysts and citizens now worry the Winter Session will end without meaningful outcomes, particularly for distressed farmers awaiting urgent decisions.
As one senior official admitted, “The code will remain fully enforceable until counting ends. No major declaration can be made until then.”
