Campaigning for the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections concluded on Tuesday evening, with the State Election Commission (SEC) firmly enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Polling is scheduled to take place on Wednesday across ten municipal corporations, marking a significant phase in the state’s local governance. The SEC has assured a robust security arrangement to ensure free and fair elections.
The ten municipal corporations going to the polls are Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Dhule, Akola, and Latur. A total of 5.86 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with the SEC having made arrangements for approximately 1.87 lakh polling booths. The elections are being closely watched as they are the first major civic polls in the state after a gap of several years, and are seen as a barometer of public sentiment towards the ruling coalition and opposition parties.
The MCC, which came into effect on the announcement of the election dates, restricts activities like rallies, public meetings, and the use of official vehicles for campaigning. The SEC has warned of strict action against anyone found violating the code, including potential disqualification. Authorities have been actively removing unauthorized political advertisements and ensuring that campaigning does not disrupt public order.
Key Election Details
The elections will be held to elect corporators for all wards in the ten municipal corporations. The process involves the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in most areas, with ballot papers being used in a limited number of wards. Counting of votes will commence on Thursday, and the results are expected to be declared shortly thereafter. The SEC has deployed a large number of election officials and security personnel to oversee the entire process.
Political parties have left no stone unturned in their efforts to woo voters, with intense campaigning taking place in the past few weeks. Key issues that dominated the campaign included local infrastructure development, water supply, sanitation, and unemployment. The elections are expected to witness a multi-cornered contest, with the Shiv Sena, BJP, Congress, NCP, and MNS all vying for a significant share of the seats. Smaller regional parties and independent candidates are also in the fray.
The SEC has also implemented several measures to ensure the safety of voters and election staff, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These include mandatory mask-wearing at polling booths, provision of hand sanitizers, and adherence to social distancing norms. Voters have been urged to cooperate with election officials and to follow all safety protocols. The outcome of these elections will significantly impact the political landscape of Maharashtra and will determine the composition of the civic bodies responsible for governing the state’s major cities.
The state government has declared a public holiday on Wednesday to facilitate voting. The SEC has also made arrangements for voters who are unable to reach the polling booths due to physical disabilities or other reasons. Helpline numbers have been set up to address any queries or complaints related to the elections.
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