Archive · 12 Jan 2026
BMC Prepares for January 15 Elections
The BMC is getting ready for the city elections on January 15.
They are doing lots of things to make sure people vote, like putting on street plays and giving discounts at restaurants after voting.
The BMC is also making sure that all the people who are supposed to help with the elections show up.
If they don't, they might get in trouble.
Some people who work for the city have already voted by mail because they will be working on election day.
The BMC wants everyone to vote and is working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.
For the first time, they are using special backup machines called PADU machines in case the regular voting machines have problems.
These machines will help make sure the counting of votes goes smoothly.
BMC elections are scheduled for January 15, with campaigns ending on January 13 at 5:30 PM.
The BMC is organizing voter engagement activities, including street plays and performances, to increase voter turnout.
Voters will receive special dining discounts after casting their votes, courtesy of the Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHAR).
Around 4,500 volunteers will be deployed to assist voters and manage crowds at polling stations.
4,521 employees who failed to attend election duties will face police action starting January 12.
- Who
- BMC, voters, election staff, and various city agencies
- What
- Preparations for the BMC elections, including voter engagement activities, deployment of PADU machines, and enforcement of election duties
- When
- Election day is January 15, with campaigns ending on January 13 at 5:30 PM and counting scheduled for January 16
- Where
- Mumbai
- Why
- To ensure a smooth, transparent, and disciplined polling process and increase voter turnout
Pro-Election Measures
Critics of Election Process
Voter Engagement
Pro-Election Measures
The BMC is actively engaging voters through street plays, performances, and discounts to increase voter turnout.
Critics of Election Process
Some critics argue that these measures are gimmicks and do not address deeper issues of voter apathy.
Technical Backup
Pro-Election Measures
The deployment of PADU machines as a backup for EVMs ensures a smooth and accurate vote-counting process.
Critics of Election Process
Critics question the necessity and effectiveness of PADU machines, suggesting they could introduce additional complexities.
- Election Date
- January 15
- Campaign End Date
- January 13 at 5:30 PM
- Voter Turnout in 2017
- 55.53%
- Volunteers Deployed
- 4,500
- Postal Voters
- 11,627
- Hotels and Restaurants Offering Discounts
- 8,000
- Employees Facing Action
- 4,521
- PADU Machines Deployed
- 140
- EVM Control Units
- 20,000
- EVM Ballot Units
- 25,000
Sources
From Special Discounts For Voters To Street Plays, BMC Gears Up For Polling Day
BMC Election Voter List 2026: How to check your name in voter list for Mumbai BMC Election 2026
Mumbai BMC Elections 2026: Civic Body To Deploy PADU Machines As First-Time Backup During Vote Counting If EVMs Fail
