Maharashtra has officially announced the schedule for its upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare made the announcement at a press conference in New Delhi.
Model Code of Conduct Takes Immediate Effect
Dinesh Waghmare confirmed that the model code of conduct has come into force across all concerned districts. This announcement follows a Supreme Court order that extended the deadline for completing local body elections in the state.
The apex court granted a two-week extension, making January 31 the final deadline for completing the entire election process. The commission is working diligently to meet this timeline.
Voting Details and District Coverage
Voting will take place across 12 districts for the Zilla Parishads and their corresponding 125 Panchayat Samitis. The election commission will establish approximately 25,482 polling stations to accommodate voters.
Polling hours will run from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm on February 5. This gives voters a full ten hours to cast their ballots at their designated polling stations.
Key Election Dates
- January 16–18: Filing of nominations
- January 19: Scrutiny of nominations
- January 21: Last date for withdrawal of candidature
- January 22: Allotment of symbols and publication of final candidate list
- February 5: Polling day
- February 7: Counting of votes
Voter Lists and Election Process
The Election Commission of India's voter list as of July 1, 2025, will serve as the official electoral roll for these elections. The State Election Commission clarified that voter rolls have already been separated for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti segments.
No additions or deletions to voter lists will be permitted at this stage. The commission will deploy Electronic Voting Machines in large numbers, including both ballot units and control units.
Accessibility and Special Arrangements
Polling stations will offer several facilities to ensure inclusive voting. These include ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water, and toilets specifically designed for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants.
In areas with high concentrations of women voters, the commission will establish all-women polling booths where feasible. This initiative aims to create a more comfortable voting environment for female electors.
Administration and Expenditure Rules
Thousands of election officers and staff members have already been appointed to oversee the entire exercise. The commission has prescribed specific expenditure limits for candidates, which vary according to constituency size and category.
Campaign Rules and Code Enforcement
Campaigning activities must conclude 48 hours before polling begins. The State Election Commission issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any violations of the model code of conduct.
Dinesh Waghmare emphasized that the commission will monitor campaign activities closely to ensure fair and transparent elections throughout Maharashtra.
