The State Election Commission (SEC), Maharashtra, on Monday announced the detailed election programme for the general elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The announcement follows directions issued by the Supreme Court in a batch of petitions, which mandate that elections to all local self-government bodies be completed by January 31, 2026, subject to the final outcome of the pending cases.
In an official communication to all municipal corporation commissioners, the SEC said the ward structure and reservation process has been finalised, while final ward-wise voter lists were certified and published on December 15, 2025.
Poll schedule
According to the election programme:
Polling will be held on January 15, 2026, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on January 16, 2026
Results will be published in the Government Gazette by January 19, 2026
Separate schedules have been notified for 28 municipal corporations and the BMC, though the polling and counting dates remain the same.
Nomination process
The SEC clarified that nomination forms will be accepted through the traditional offline method only, with candidates required to submit printed forms along with affidavits and supporting documents within the prescribed time.
Nomination forms will be issued from December 23 to December 30, 2025, excluding December 25 and December 28. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on December 31, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 2, 2026. Election symbols will be allotted on January 3.
Caste validity certificate provision
Candidates contesting from reserved seats must submit caste and caste validity certificates. However, as per an amendment introduced through a government ordinance dated November 3, 2025, candidates who are unable to furnish a caste validity certificate at the time of filing nominations may submit an acknowledgement receipt instead.
Such candidates must submit the caste validity certificate within six months of being elected, failing which their election will be cancelled with retrospective effect, the SEC said.
Model code of conduct in force
The model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect and will remain applicable until the declaration of results. The code applies across all municipal corporation areas going to polls.
The SEC has prohibited ministers, MPs, MLAs, corporators, and government departments from announcing or distributing freebies or taking any action that could influence voters during the election period.
The SEC clarified that elections to all 29 municipal corporations will remain subject to the final decision of the Supreme Court in Special Leave Petition and other connected matters. Municipal commissioners have been directed to monitor court cases related to the elections and immediately inform the commission if any stay orders are issued.
The complete election programme has been uploaded on the SEC`s website: https://mahasec.maharashtra.gov.in, officials said.
