The Maharashtra Government has ordered the postponement of elections to cooperative societies in drought-affected districts, citing the need to prioritise relief and rehabilitation measures. The decision, issued by the Cooperation Department on October 27, 2026, will remain effective until further orders.
The government has invoked Section 73CC of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, which empowers it to defer cooperative elections during natural calamities and other exceptional circumstances.
The decision follows the declaration of 304 talukas as drought-affected after an assessment of the Kharif 2026 season. The government said conducting elections at this stage could divert administrative officials from drought relief operations and create difficulties for farmers and cooperative members in participating in the electoral process.
However, the order exempts cooperative housing societies, societies whose elections have been directed by the High Court or Supreme Court, and societies where the nomination process had commenced before October 27.
Elections to the remaining cooperative societies will be deferred from their existing stage until further government orders.
