BMC Clarifies Postal Ballot Handling Amid Thackeray's Allegations

The BMC announced that postal ballot boxes will remain in the strong room until the January 16, 2026 counting, countering claims by Uddhav Thackeray. A miscommunicated letter was retracted and corrected, clarifying that votes would be processed as scheduled. Civic elections are underway with results expected post-counting.

In response to allegations from former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clarified that postal ballot boxes will remain secured until the counting day, January 16, 2026. This statement was issued following a miscommunicated letter that mistakenly suggested early ballot removal.

The BMC's Public Relations Department emphasized that the letter circulated on January 8 was issued in error and has been retracted. A revised statement clarifies that postal ballot boxes, alongside Electronic Voting Machines, will only be accessed on the official counting day, adhering to directives from the Maharashtra State Election Commission.

Election officials have assured candidates of process transparency and advised them and their representatives to observe the counting procedures on January 16. This clarification aims to dispel concerns about election integrity and comes amid ongoing voting across 29 civic bodies, with final results anticipated after counting concludes.

(With inputs from agencies.)