Mumbai:
Just days before voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, authorities have seized ₹40,000 in cash near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai, underlining the heightened vigilance ahead of polling.
Cash recovered during routine check
The cash was recovered by the Flying Surveillance Team (FST) close to St George Hospital during a routine check conducted under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Officials said the matter has been reported to the Returning Officer and the MCC implementation in-charge, who is the A Ward officer, for further examination and necessary action.
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Election officials clarified that such checks are part of standard monitoring to prevent inducements and ensure free and fair polling during the civic elections.
Massive surveillance drive across Mumbai
To keep a close watch on violations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has deployed 148 flying squads and 181 static surveillance teams across the city. Over the past few days, these teams have seized 1,237 litres of liquor worth ₹8.03 lakh. Authorities have also confiscated 55 kg of narcotics valued at ₹44.95 crore.
In addition, as part of efforts to curb cash-for-votes practices, unaccounted cash amounting to ₹3.10 crore has been recovered by election officials and the police.
Campaign to end on January 13
The official campaign period for the BMC elections will end on January 13 at 5.30 pm. After this deadline, all political parties and candidates are required to remove banners, hoardings, and other campaign materials immediately.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi warned that any violation would invite action under laws related to property defacement, and the cost of removing such material would be added to the candidate’s election expenditure.
Seat-sharing talks ahead of polls
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have finalised their seat-sharing arrangement for the BMC elections after days of discussions. As per the agreed formula, the BJP will contest 140 seats, while the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena will fight on 87 seats, sources said.
Polling for the BMC will take place on January 15, along with other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, while counting of votes is scheduled for January 16.
Amid reports of differences within the alliance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has maintained that the BJP and Shiv Sena remain united and do not need a formal announcement of their alliance.
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Mahayuti’s recent local body performance
The developments come close on the heels of the Mahayuti alliance’s strong performance in recent municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in the state. The alliance, which also includes Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, secured a majority of municipal president posts, according to figures released by the State Election Commission.
With polling day approaching, authorities say enforcement will remain strict to ensure a level playing field and maintain voter confidence in Mumbai’s civic elections.
