Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Maharashtra SEC Doubles Star Campaigner Limit for Local Body Polls to 40
Imagine a big election for your town or city, not for the whole country.
Usually, political parties can pick 20 special people, called 'star campaigners,' to speak for them and convince people to vote for their party.
But, some parties told the election office that they wanted more help.
So, the Maharashtra State Election Commission decided to let them pick 40 star campaigners instead of 20.
This means more people from the parties can now go around and talk about their ideas during these local elections.
The parties need to tell the election officials who these 40 special people will be.
Maharashtra SEC has increased the star campaigner limit for local body elections from 20 to 40.
The decision was made after political parties requested the change during a meeting on October 14.
The SEC cited provisions in the "Maharashtra State Political Parties Registration, Regulation and Election Symbol (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 2025" for the change.
Political parties must now submit a list of their 40 star campaigners to the district collector or municipal commissioner.
This change applies to all political parties participating in local body elections in Maharashtra.
- Who
- Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC)
- What
- Increased the limit of star campaigners for political parties in local body elections from 20 to 40.
- When
- Decision considered on October 14, announced on a Saturday.
- Where
- Maharashtra
- Why
- Following representations and demands from political parties during a meeting.
Arguments for Increased Limit
Arguments Against Increased Limit
Representation of Parties
Arguments for Increased Limit
Political parties argued that increasing the limit would allow for better representation of their diverse viewpoints and reach a wider audience.
Arguments Against Increased Limit
An increased limit could potentially lead to an overwhelming amount of campaigning, making it harder for voters to discern key messages.
Election Symbol Order Provisions
Arguments for Increased Limit
The SEC cited existing provisions in the "Maharashtra State Political Parties Registration, Regulation and Election Symbol (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 2025" as a basis for considering the increase.
Arguments Against Increased Limit
The specific implications and potential impact of these provisions on fair election practices were not detailed in the provided information.
- Previous Limit
- 20
- New Limit
- 40
- Election Type
- Local Body Elections
- Governing Body
- Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC)
- Reason for Change
- Representations from political parties
- Date of Decision Consideration
- October 14