BMC Elections Wrap Up with Voter Frustrations, Counting Day Looms
Polling for the much-anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections finally ended on Thursday. The civic polls, happening after a nine-year gap, faced numerous complaints from voters and political parties alike. All eyes now turn to the counting of votes scheduled for January 16.
Voting Day Marred by Confusion and Administrative Hurdles
Across Mumbai's polling stations, voters encountered significant problems. Many found their names missing from the electoral rolls. Others noticed discrepancies between online voter records and the printed lists available at booths. Poorly legible photographs on voter slips further slowed down the verification process, causing delays.
Election staff and party workers confirmed these issues. They pointed out that faulty printing of documents made the entire voting procedure cumbersome and time-consuming for everyone involved.
Specific Challenges for Vulnerable Voters
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities faced particular difficulties. Complaints highlighted the absence of volunteers to assist them. Unclear signage and missing booth numbers on voter slips added to the confusion. Many polling centers offered limited guidance, leaving these voters struggling to navigate the process.
Political Allegations and Procedural Confusion
Opposition leaders, including Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, raised serious concerns. They alleged that the indelible ink used during polling could be easily removed using common substances like sanitiser, acetone, or even water. This raised fears about potential impersonation and the possibility of multiple voting by individuals.
Additional confusion arose over mobile phone policies. Some voters reported being barred from entering polling stations with their phones, despite there being no formal ban provided devices were switched off. Posters prohibiting mobile phones at several booths contradicted official guidelines, adding to the voter frustration.
In multiple instances, voters discovered that the Election Commission's official app and website displayed details that did not match the printed electoral rolls at polling stations. This inconsistency further undermined confidence in the administrative process.
Counting Schedule and Preparations
According to the Maharashtra State Election Commission, vote counting for municipal corporation elections across the state will occur on January 16. The process is scheduled to begin at 10 AM.
Specifically for Mumbai, counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will commence on Friday at 10:00 AM. Officials have established 23 designated counting centers across the city to handle the ballots.
Authorities Assure Transparent Counting Process
Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani addressed the media on Thursday. He stated that all necessary measures had been finalized to ensure a transparent, orderly, and timely counting process. Gagrani reviewed the preparations alongside senior officials including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi and Special Officer (Election) Vijay Balamwar.
Authorities have implemented detailed arrangements covering several key areas:
- Layout of counting halls and table planning
- Staff deployment and prior training for all personnel
- CCTV surveillance for monitoring
- Fire safety and medical facilities
- Enhanced coordination with police to prevent law and order issues
A total of 2,299 officers and staff have been deployed for the counting exercise. This includes 759 supervisors, 770 assistants, and 770 Class IV employees. Officials confirmed that all personnel underwent proper training beforehand.
Traffic control measures and parking arrangements have been established near counting centers. Separate enclosures have been created for media personnel. Results will be tabulated and declared through a computerised system to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Only authorised candidates, their representatives, and accredited media personnel carrying valid identity cards issued by the Election Department will gain access to the counting premises. Officials have urged all stakeholders to strictly follow instructions from the State Election Commission.
How to Follow the Results
Voters and political observers can track live vote counting updates and final results on the official Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation website. The site will provide ward-wise and constituency-level data as counting progresses throughout the day.
While various media outlets will offer coverage, officials emphasised that the BMC's official website remains the most reliable source for verified and up-to-date results during counting day. The public should refer to this platform for accurate information as the electoral process reaches its conclusion.
