Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has began gearing up for the upcoming municipal elections and the Mumbai civic chief on Thursday orders strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in city.
BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani directed election officers to personally inspect polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the BMC Elections 2026.
He also instructed the police, excise department and other agencies to take preventive measures for the effective implementation of the MCC, officials said.
Joint meeting at BMC HQ
The directions were issued during a joint meeting of municipal officials, election decision officers, police and excise department officials held at the BMC headquarters on December 18, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Gagrani, they said.
According to an official statement, several senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Special Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, and Deputy District Election Officer Vijaykumar Suryavanshi, were present, along with 23 election decision officers.
Polling stations to be verified before finalisation
Gagrani said that the State Election Commission (SEC) has laid down clear guidelines for polling station selection. As per these norms, there are around 10,111 polling stations across the BMC area, the statement said.
He said facilities such as electricity, drinking water, toilets and ramps have been provided at these centres. Election officers have been asked to verify these facilities on site before preparing the final list of polling stations.
Voter assistance centres to be set up
Civic chief directed officials to establish Voter Assistance Centres near polling stations to help voters locate their names. He also asked for information boards to be installed at polling centres for voter guidance, the statement said.
The process of appointing officers and staff for election duties has begun. All personnel involved in the election process will receive mandatory training covering voting procedures, election laws, the Model Code of Conduct, EVM handling, and responsibilities at polling stations.
Gagrani stressed that training is compulsory and all instructions must be followed strictly to ensure a successful election.
Strict vigil to enforce Model Code of Conduct
To ensure the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the commissioner instructed the police, excise department and other agencies to work in close coordination, the official statement said.
It said that special attention will be given to sensitive and highly sensitive areas to maintain law and order. Measures will include regular patrolling, vehicle checks, checkpoints and swift action against suspicious activities.
Any violation of the Model Code of Conduct will invite immediate and strict action, Gagrani warned.
