No panchayat polls, no delimitation in Odisha before Feb 2027: Panchayati Raj Minister

Panchayat elections in Odisha will not be held before February 2027, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik informed the State Assembly on Tuesday.

In a written reply in the House, the Minister clarified that there is no decision to conduct Panchayat elections prior to February 2027. He stated that the elections will be held as per the scheduled timeline.

The Minister further informed that there will be no reorganisation of Panchayats or Blocks before the 2027 Panchayat elections. The State Government has decided not to undertake any fresh delimitation or restructuring of boundaries ahead of the polls.

The decision has been taken due to constitutional constraints and the absence of updated population data, the Minister said in his written response.

Also Read: No early panchayat elections in Odisha, clarifies State Election Commission

"Once the census process begins in India, state governments are restricted from taking certain administrative decisions. In particular, no fresh delimitation or restructuring of the boundaries of panchayats, blocks, or districts can be undertaken during this period. This restriction is based on constitutional provisions and established guidelines related to the census exercise. Accordingly, we have clarified this position and provided appropriate information to the public," said Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.