Mumbai Civic Elections Witness Surprising Trends
Mumbai's upcoming civic elections present a curious picture. The city's voter base has expanded significantly, growing by over twelve percent since the last polls in 2017. However, the number of candidates contesting these elections has taken a sharp dip, falling by nearly twenty-five percent compared to the previous election cycle.
A Diverse Field of Contestants
The electoral battlefield features a varied mix of individuals stepping into the political arena. Among the candidates, you will find doctors, other professionals, housewives, and even auto drivers. This diversity reflects the broad spectrum of Mumbai's society, with people from different walks of life vying for civic representation.
Special Women-Managed Polling Stations
A notable feature of this election is the establishment of special 'pink' or 'Sakhi' polling stations. Authorities have set up at least one such station in every municipal ward. These polling stations are managed exclusively by women. All election personnel working at these booths, including police officers and security staff, are female. This initiative aims to create a more comfortable and secure voting environment for women.
Massive Deployment for Election Duty
The election machinery has mobilized on a grand scale. Several agencies, including staff from municipal schools, have been assigned election duties. The police force, supported by the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), has implemented comprehensive security arrangements. Quick response teams and riot control units stand ready to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process.
Detailed Election Statistics
Let's look at the numbers that define this election:
Candidates
- Total Candidates: 1,700
- Male Candidates: 822
- Female Candidates: 878
- Transgender Candidates: 0
Voters
- Total Voters: 1.03 crore
- Male Voters: 55 lakh
- Female Voters: 48 lakh
- Transgender Voters: 1,099
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Control Units: 20,000
- Ballot Units: 25,000
Polling Places
Authorities have set up a total of 10,231 polling booths across the city. These booths are located in various types of buildings:
- In government buildings: 2,382 enclosed, 879 semi-enclosed, 1,143 open booths
- In private buildings: 2,693 enclosed, 1,385 semi-enclosed, 1,047 open booths
- At housing societies: 181 enclosed, 312 semi-enclosed, 209 open booths
Manpower and Security Arrangements
The election commission has deployed a small army of personnel to manage the polls:
Polling Booth Manpower
- Presiding Officers: 12,875
- Assistant Presiding Officers: 12,875
- Polling Officers: 25,750
- Sepoys: 12,875
- Total Personnel: 64,375
Police Deployment
- Additional Commissioners of Police: 10
- Deputy Commissioners of Police: 38
- Other Officers: 3,100
- Personnel: 25,000 (including one constable per booth)
- Patrolling Vehicles: 400
Other Security Forces
- Home Guards: 6,000
- Beat Marshals: 360
Transport and Logistics
To facilitate the movement of personnel and materials, authorities have arranged substantial transport:
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs): 1,900
- Private Buses: 1,160
- BEST Buses: 1,023
- MSRTC Buses: 101
Code of Conduct Enforcement
Election officials have taken strict action to maintain the integrity of the process:
- Non-cognizable offences registered: 16
- Cognizable offences registered: 13
- Preventive action taken against: 2,896 persons
Election Expenditure
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has estimated the cost of conducting these elections at approximately Rs 200 crore. This marks a significant increase from the Rs 130 crore spent during the 2017 civic polls.
The stage is set for Mumbai's civic elections. With fewer candidates but more voters, enhanced security, and special initiatives like women-run polling stations, these polls promise to be both interesting and significant for India's financial capital.
