The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared its complete readiness to conduct the upcoming civic body elections in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The polls are scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Administration's Commitment to Impartial Process
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who also serves as the District Election Officer, stated that the civic administration and election machinery are fully dedicated to ensuring a disciplined and impartial electoral process. The assurance came during a crucial meeting held at the BMC headquarters with representatives from various political parties.
Officials used the meeting to brief party delegates on several key aspects of the election. These included the procedures for filing nominations, the scrutiny of applications, the maintenance of election expenditure accounts, and initiatives to boost voter awareness under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme.
Strict Adherence to Model Code of Conduct
The BMC urged all political parties to strictly follow the model code of conduct prescribed by the State Election Commission. A significant caution was issued to prospective candidates regarding nomination forms and affidavits. Officials emphasized that these documents must be filled in the prescribed format, as incomplete or incorrect information could lead to outright rejection.
To minimize errors, the BMC has made necessary arrangements at the election officer level to prevent technical mistakes in the forms. The administration also addressed specific queries from party representatives on issues like caste validity certificates, annexures to nomination forms, and the appointment of candidate representatives.
Nomination Process and Voter Roll Management
The critical process of filing nominations is set to begin on Tuesday. In a related development, the BMC outlined its procedure for handling duplicate entries on the electoral roll. Currently, if voter duplication is detected, civic staff visit the individual's residence. The person is then asked to fill out a form known as Annexure A, indicating where they plan to cast their vote.
If the voter chooses not to disclose this information in advance, they will be given a form to fill out at the polling centre itself on the day of the election. The BMC reiterated its call for political parties to help create a positive environment during the elections, reinforcing public confidence in the democratic process.
