As the Thane Municipal Corporation elections draw closer, the civic administration has taken a firm stance, issuing a strict warning to all polling officials and staff. Municipal Commissioner and Election Officer Saurabh Rao has made it clear that skipping the mandatory election training sessions will not be tolerated, with absentees facing serious disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
No Excuses Accepted for Training Absence
Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao emphasized that election training is an essential duty under Election Commission guidelines. He stated that no excuses for non-attendance will be accepted, underscoring that elections are a cornerstone of democracy and every assigned official must act responsibly. The training is designed to ensure the voting process is conducted smoothly, transparently, and in strict accordance with the rules.
Training Schedule and Key Details
The crucial training sessions for polling personnel are scheduled to be held from December 27 to 29, 2025. These sessions will take place in two daily shifts at two prominent venues: Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan and Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha.
The comprehensive training curriculum will cover all critical aspects of poll day duties, including:
- Detailed handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Conducting mock polls
- Proper voter identification procedures
- Enforcement of the model code of conduct
- Protocols for managing emergencies
For the actual conduct of polling, a massive workforce of 10,120 staff members has been deployed across 2,013 polling booths in the city.
Nomination Process Gains Momentum
Simultaneously, the nomination process for the high-stakes civic polls commenced on Friday. On the very first day, a significant number of 521 nomination forms were distributed across the nine ward committees in Thane.
Out of these, 13 candidates formally filed their nomination papers before the respective returning officers. The breakdown of filings is as follows:
- Eight candidates from the Uthalsar ward committee
- Two candidates each from Kalwa and Diva
- One candidate from Mumbra
Civic officials provided further data, revealing that between December 23, 24, 26, and 27, a total of 3,599 nomination forms have been distributed so far. The ward committee-wise distribution of forms shows active participation: Majivada-Manpada (65 forms), Vartak Nagar (53), Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar (100), Wagle Estate (58), Naupada-Kopri (60), Uthalsar (34), Kalwa (39), Mumbra (49), and Diva (63). The administration has stated that the entire election process is progressing smoothly under close supervision.
The firm warning from the election authorities highlights the critical importance placed on preparedness and adherence to protocol for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections, setting a tone of strict accountability from the outset.
