Mumbai's top civic official issued a stern warning to all election personnel on Friday, stating that any lapses during the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections for 2025-26 will face strict consequences. Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani emphasized that the democratic exercise must be conducted with utmost integrity.
Zero Tolerance for Rule Violations
Chairing a crucial meeting of the election main coordination committee at the BMC headquarters, Gagrani reviewed a wide range of preparations. The discussions covered law and order arrangements, the enforcement of the model code of conduct, the effectiveness of flying squads, and systems to track suspicious financial transactions. Gagrani declared that discipline, peace, and impartiality are the foundational pillars of the election process. He instructed that every action during the code period must be meticulously documented and follow established norms without deviation.
"The municipal elections are a vital democratic activity. They must be carried out in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, and disciplined," Gagrani stated. He added that any error, negligence, or breach of rules would invite disciplinary action, as strict adherence to laws is essential to bolster public trust in the administration.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Security Plans
The commissioner directed various agencies to ensure seamless coordination and maintain heightened vigilance. During the committee briefing, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Satyanarayan Chaudhary outlined the security blueprint for the polls.
Adequate police personnel have been assigned to flying squads operating across all civic wards. Stringent security measures are now active at locations storing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and at designated counting centres. Police protection will also escort EVMs during their transportation. Mumbai Police have drafted a comprehensive action plan to manage all election-related duties.
Proactive Measures to Ensure Fair Play
Chaudhary informed the committee that several proactive steps are already underway. These include:
- Initiation of arms seizure drives across the city, with notices served to licensed arms holders.
- Expedited processing of preventive actions and externment cases based on police station reports.
- Continuous monitoring of social media platforms by the police cyber cell to prevent violations of the model code of conduct.
The committee also issued directives to keep a strict vigil on the illegal movement of cash, particularly at key transit points like airports and railway stations. Officials were instructed to promptly share details of any suspicious or high-value transactions—such as unusually large cash withdrawals or gift card purchases—with the Income-Tax Department using established protocols.
This comprehensive review meeting underscores the administration's commitment to conducting the BMC elections with unprecedented levels of scrutiny and transparency, aiming to set a benchmark for civic polls in the city.
