Mumbai Civic Polls Approach with Major Seizures and Voter Appeals
Mumbai stands just two days away from its crucial civic elections. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified its efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process. In a significant development, authorities have confiscated illegal items valued at a staggering Rs 47.33 crore over the past twenty days.
Commissioner's Direct Appeal to Citizens
Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani addressed the media on Monday. He made a direct appeal to Mumbai's citizens. "We urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and cast their votes on Thursday," Gagrani stated. He highlighted that the State Election Commission has declared a public holiday to facilitate voting.
Gagrani also addressed the issue of mobile phones at polling stations. He clarified that the SEC has not issued a ban on phones inside booths. However, he strongly advised voters to enter without their devices. "If you must carry a phone, please ensure it is switched off completely, not just on silent," he recommended. This guidance comes after past incidents during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls caused voter inconvenience.
Massive Haul of Cash and Contraband
The BMC's crackdown under the Model Code of Conduct has yielded substantial results. Civic data reveals the seizure of cash worth Rs 3.10 crore from twenty-three different locations across the city. Special teams including Static Surveillance Teams and Flying Squads executed these operations.
The largest single cash seizure amounted to Rs 20 lakh from Andheri (East). Beyond currency, authorities confiscated 1,237 litres of illicit liquor, with an estimated market value of Rs 8.03 lakh. The most valuable haul, however, consisted of 55 kilograms of drugs. Their current market price stands at an astonishing Rs 44.15 crore.
Increased Election Expenditure and Manpower
This year's election will see a significant rise in BMC spending. Officials confirmed a planned expenditure increase of thirty percent compared to the 2017 civic polls. The 2017 elections cost approximately Rs 130 crore. The higher budget accounts for a forty percent increase in polling stations.
Mumbai will have 10,231 polling stations this year, up from 7,297 in 2017. To manage this expanded infrastructure, the BMC will deploy 64,000 personnel. This figure marks a substantial increase from the 49,000 staff deployed in the previous election cycle.
New Technology for Voting Transparency
Commissioner Gagrani announced the introduction of a new technological safeguard. A device equipped with Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) technology will be available at all polling stations. These units will serve as a backup for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
"If the control unit display malfunctions, the PADU system will integrate with the EVM," Gagrani explained. This integration aims to maintain complete transparency and accuracy during voting. The BMC has acquired 140 PADU systems for this purpose. This deployment marks the first use of such technology in a Mumbai civic election.
The administration's multi-pronged approach combines strict enforcement, voter awareness, and technological upgrades. All efforts converge towards ensuring a free, fair, and participative election for India's financial capital.
