Nagpur: Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has proposed introducing nominated members in zilla parishads and panchayat samitis on the lines of municipal corporations and councils, aiming to tap the expertise of experienced individuals for rural development.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Friday, Bawankule said the proposal has been formally submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has responded positively. He said many capable public figures and subject experts working in rural and social sectors are unable to contest elections due to reservation constraints, and their experience should not go to waste.
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23 Jan 2026
“These experienced individuals can be nominated at the district and block levels to strengthen rural governance,” Bawankule said, adding that discussions have already been held with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and the Rural Development Minister. The proposal is expected to be placed before the cabinet soon, followed by legislative approval.
Rejecting allegations of irregularities in the recent mayoral reservation lotteries, Bawankule said the process was conducted transparently under camera surveillance. He termed Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar’s objections as “unbecoming” and baseless.
On rural body elections, the minister said BJP and Shiv Sena have formed alliances in parts of Dharashiv, Latur, Parbhani and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts, while seat-sharing talks are ongoing elsewhere. He noted that after nearly a decade without elections, grassroots workers are eager to contest, and local dynamics will guide alliance decisions.
Clarifying speculation over the Achalpur municipal council in Amravati district, Bawankule asserted that BJP would never align with AIMIM. “We are in a minority with nine councillors, but BJP will not support or ally with AIMIM under any circumstances,” he said.
Expressing concern over the recent alleged atrocity case in Badlapur, Bawankule termed it “extremely serious and unfortunate” and assured strict action against the accused. He also criticised personal remarks made against Chief Minister Fadnavis, calling them regrettable and praising the CM’s contribution to Maharashtra’s development.
