Election Officers Directed to Inspect Polling Booths Ahead of BMC Elections 2025–26
Preventive Measures by Police and Excise Departments Ordered to Ensure Strict Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct
Mumbai: In preparation for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) General Elections 2025–26, the Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani has issued a series of stringent directives to ensure that the electoral process remains free, fair, transparent, and fear-free.
Chairing a joint coordination meeting of municipal officers, election decision officers, police officials, and excise department representatives at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters on December 18, 2025, Mr. Gagrani emphasized that physical inspection of polling stations is mandatory before finalising the polling booth list.
Over 10,000 Polling Stations Under Scrutiny
As per the norms laid down by the State Election Commission Maharashtra, Mumbai will have approximately 10,111 polling stations. These booths are required to be fully equipped with electricity, drinking water, toilets, ramps for persons with disabilities, and clear signage.
“Election officers must personally verify these facilities and only then approve the final polling station list,” Mr. Gagrani instructed. He further directed the establishment of Voter Assistance Centres near polling booths to help citizens locate their names and ensure smooth voting.
Mandatory Training for Election Staff
The appointment process for election-related officers and staff is already underway. Comprehensive training programmes will be conducted covering:
- Voting procedures
- Election laws
- Model Code of Conduct
- EVM handling
- Duties and responsibilities at polling stations
Participation in these training sessions has been made compulsory, with strict adherence to instructions emphasized as critical for the success of the electoral process.
Election decision officers were also instructed to maintain continuous coordination with ward-level Deputy Municipal Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to ensure seamless execution across departments.
Strict Vigil and Preventive Action Ordered
To enforce the Model Code of Conduct effectively, preventive and surveillance measures will be undertaken jointly by the police, excise department, and other concerned agencies. Authorities have been directed to:
- Intensify patrols in sensitive and highly sensitive areas
- Set up checkposts and vehicle inspections
- Monitor and act swiftly on suspicious activities
- Prevent illegal inducements and voter influence
“Any violation of the Model Code of Conduct will invite immediate and strict action as per law,” Mr. Gagrani warned, underlining zero tolerance for electoral malpractices.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Special Duty Officer (Elections) Vijay Balmwar, and 23 Election Decision Officers, reflecting the scale and seriousness of the preparatory exercise.
As Mumbai moves closer to one of its most crucial civic elections, the administration’s focus remains firmly on credibility, coordination, and citizen confidence in the democratic process.