A New Leader for Local Elections: Dinesh Waghmare Appointed as State Election Commissioner

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appointed seasoned bureaucrat Dinesh Waghmare as the new State Election Commissioner (SEC), filling the post that had been vacant since September 4, 2024, following the retirement of U.P.S. Madan.

Waghmare, who was previously the additional chief secretary in the medical education department, was originally set to retire on June 30. However, his term as SEC will extend for five years, and he will not be eligible for reappointment.

This move comes just days before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear several petitions concerning civic polls procedures, including the number of wards, with the case set to be discussed Wednesday.

Over half a dozen senior bureaucrats were contenders for the SEC post, including names like former chief secretary Nitin Kareer, former Mumbai Port Trust chairman Rajiv Jalota, and additional chief secretary Rajgopal Devara. Following extensive deliberations, the state cabinet delegated the power to appoint the SEC to Fadnavis, leading to Waghmare's selection.