West Bengal and Odisha initiate municipal ward delimitation

Urban local bodies in West Bengal and Odisha are undergoing ward delimitation and seat reservation processes ahead of upcoming municipal elections.

In West Bengal, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) are preparing for polls by the end of 2026. Under a draft delimitation proposal, KMC wards would increase from 144 to 209, with 70 wards (over 33%) reserved for women. HMC wards are slated to increase from 50 to 68, with 23 wards (nearly 34%) reserved for women. Political parties may submit suggestions regarding the draft by October 5. Observers note potential challenges for the Trinamool Congress due to internal factionalism.

In Odisha, the state government has established a timeline for the delimitation of wards and seat reservation for municipal corporations and urban local bodies. The final notification for redetermined wards and reserved seats is scheduled for publication on October 31. Major municipal corporations, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Rourkela, must submit ward information and maps by September 24. The public will have opportunities to submit objections to draft notifications throughout October.