With the State Election Commission (SEC) preparing for civic elections across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force. The MCC is a set of guidelines designed to ensure free, fair and impartial elections by imposing restrictions on governments, political parties and candidates once the election schedule is announced.
Why the Model Code of Conduct matters
Under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, the State Election Commission is tasked with supervising, directing and controlling elections to local self-government bodies. Accordingly, general elections are due for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC and 28 other civic bodies listed in Appendix 1 of the SEC notification.
Ward formation and reservation for all 29 civic bodies have already been completed. Draft electoral rolls were published earlier, objections were invited, and final ward-wise voter lists were authenticated and published on December 15, 2025.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
The Election Commission has framed a set of rules to ensure free and fair elections. These rules are known as the Model Code of Conduct.
Once elections are announced, it becomes mandatory for the government, political parties, candidates and leaders to strictly follow these rules. The MCC comes into force immediately after the election dates are declared. Any violation during this period can invite strict action from the Election Commission.
Key features of the Model Code of Conduct
The MCC clearly lays down how political parties, ruling parties, opposition candidates, leaders and workers should behave during the election process.
It includes rules related to:
Public meetings and rallies
Processions
Poll-day conduct
Official functioning of the ruling party during the election period
How long will the MCC remain in force?
The State Election Commission announced elections for 29 municipal corporations on Monday, December 15, 2025.
As a result, the Model Code of Conduct came into force on the same day and will remain applicable until the entire election process is completed. Since vote counting will take place on January 16, 2026, the MCC will remain in effect until that date. It will cease once the results are officially declared.
Major rules under the Model Code of Conduct
Public money cannot be used for activities that benefit any particular political party or leader.
Government vehicles, aircraft and official residences cannot be used for election campaigning.
The ruling party cannot announce new government schemes, inaugurations or foundation-laying ceremonies.
Political parties, candidates or supporters must obtain police permission before taking out rallies or processions.
Votes cannot be sought in the name of religion or caste during election campaigns.
No government vehicles, including aircraft and cars, can be used for the benefit of any party or candidate.
Transfers and appointments of officials directly or indirectly connected with election work are completely banned.
Any transfer or appointment, if unavoidable, requires prior approval from the Election Commission.
No minister from the Centre or the state government can summon election officials for official discussions during the election period.
Spending government funds on advertisements highlighting the achievements of the ruling party in print or electronic media is prohibited.
Hoardings or advertisements showcasing the performance of the ruling party cannot be displayed at the cost of the government exchequer.
The ruling party cannot release advertisements in newspapers, electronic or any other media using public funds.
If work orders issued before the election announcement have not yet commenced, such work cannot be started during the MCC period. However, ongoing works may continue.
In emergency situations such as droughts, floods, pandemics or other natural disasters, or for welfare measures for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the government may seek prior permission from the Election Commission.
Political advertisements cannot be displayed on government-owned buses, including on the back of bus tickets.
List of 29 municipal corporations covered under the statewide election programme
As per Annexure–1 issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission, elections will be conducted across 29 municipal corporations spread over multiple divisions of the state.
Konkan Division
Mumbai
Navi Mumbai
Thane
Ulhasnagar
Kalyan-Dombivli
Mira-Bhayandar
Nashik Division
Nashik
Pune Division
Pune
Pimpri-Chinchwad
Solapur
Kolhapur
Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Division
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Jalna
Nanded-Waghala
Amravati Division
Amravati
Akola
Nagpur Division
Nagpur
Chandrapur
Other Municipal Corporations
Latur
Parbhani
Jalgaon
Dhule
Ahmednagar
Malegaon
Ichalkaranji
Vasai-Virar
Panvel
Beed
These municipal corporations will follow the revised voter list update schedule announced by the State Election Commission ahead of the upcoming civic body elections.
(Source: State Election Commission)
