In a recent decision, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has allowed political parties to double the number of star campaigners they can use in upcoming local elections. Earlier, each party could nominate only 20 star campaigners. Now, this limit has been increased to 40.
Star campaigners are prominent leaders, ministers, or well-known personalities who actively campaign on behalf of a party. They usually attract large crowds at rallies, generate media attention, and influence voters’ opinions. With the new limit, parties now have more flexibility to plan their election campaigns and reach a wider audience across districts.
The SEC made this change following requests from several political parties. Officials said that parties argued they needed more star campaigners to cover remote areas and connect with voters during the busy election season. To ensure transparency, the SEC has asked all parties to submit a detailed list of their star campaigners to district authorities before the elections begin. This step will allow proper monitoring and prevent violations of election rules.
Political analysts say the decision is likely to make election campaigns more high-profile. “With more leaders able to campaign, rallies will be bigger, and voter engagement is expected to increase,” said a senior political expert. Many parties are now planning to include senior ministers, local leaders, and even celebrities to attract attention. This may also give smaller parties an opportunity to feature popular figures to connect with voters.
Several party leaders welcomed the move. A senior official from a major state party said, “This decision allows us to reach out to voters more effectively. Star campaigners play an important role in communicating our policies and connecting with people at the grassroots level.” Another party spokesperson added that the extended list will help coordinate rallies across different regions without putting extra pressure on individual leaders.
The SEC, however, has reminded all parties that the increase in star campaigners does not mean a relaxation of election rules. Spending limits, the Model Code of Conduct, and other regulations must be strictly followed. Star campaigners are expected to maintain decorum during rallies and avoid actions that could disrupt the fairness of the elections.
This change comes at a time when Maharashtra is preparing for highly competitive local body elections. With more star campaigners allowed, parties are expected to intensify their outreach and engage more directly with voters. Experts also note that this could increase overall voter turnout as more people attend rallies and meetings led by well-known leaders.
In conclusion, the SEC’s decision to double star campaigners highlights the importance of high-profile leadership in local elections. It is aimed at strengthening voter engagement while maintaining transparency and fair play. For Maharashtra’s electorate, it means more access to leaders, bigger rallies, and a chance to better understand the parties’ policies before casting their votes.
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