In a major crackdown ahead of the upcoming civic polls, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a city-wide drive to remove unauthorized political advertisements. This action comes a day after the State Election Commission (SEC) enforced the model code of conduct for elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Massive Removal Drive Across the City
On Tuesday, civic teams across Mumbai's wards swung into action, targeting political banners, flexes, and flags. In a single day, the BMC successfully removed a total of 2,103 such political materials from various locations. The drive was launched following a crucial meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
Officials provided a startling estimate, revealing that approximately 12,300 political banners are currently erected across the suburbs and the island city. The administration has issued clear instructions to all ward offices to take down every single unauthorized poster and banner.
Strict Monitoring and Action Against Officials
To ensure the drive's effectiveness and prevent repeat offenses, the BMC has mandated each ward office to set up a dedicated monitoring team. These teams will maintain a close watch to stop political parties from re-erecting banners after removal.
The civic body has also adopted a strict stance towards its own staff. The BMC administration has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against any official who fails to remove the posters and hoardings within the stipulated time frame. This underscores the seriousness with which the corporation is implementing the election commission's directives.
Context of the Upcoming Civic Elections
This enforcement drive sets the stage for the much-anticipated civic elections. Mumbai will witness its civic polls in January 2026, after a hiatus of four years. The city's civic body, along with 27 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra, has been under an administrator's rule since the general body of elected representatives was dissolved in March 2022.
The ongoing removal operation is expected to continue intensively. BMC officials have stated that the drive will be ongoing, and they aim to clear all political posters and hoardings from Mumbai within the next week. This move aims to ensure a level playing field and uphold the decorum mandated by the model code of conduct as the city prepares to elect its new civic representatives.
