BMC Elections: BMC reduces duplicate voters list to 15%

by Webdesk
27 Dec 2025

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has succeeded in drastically reducing the number of duplicate voters in the city’s electoral rolls. From an initial figure of more than 1.1 million, the number of duplicate entries has now been brought down to 168,350, accounting for nearly 15% of the earlier total. This major reduction comes as part of a comprehensive verification drive undertaken ahead of elections.

According to civic officials, the reduction was achieved after a detailed technical scrutiny carried out using Election Data Extraction Software, a specialised system developed by the BMC’s in-house Information Technology team. The software played a crucial role in identifying duplicate voter records by analysing similarities in voter photographs, matching surnames, and detecting multiple registrations of the same individual across different wards.

Officials explained that the software conducted a ward-wise scan of electoral data, flagging suspected duplicate entries for further verification. Once these entries were identified, the civic body initiated an extensive on-ground verification process. Teams were deployed across the city to carry out door-to-door visits and verify voter details in person, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the process.

During the verification drive, voters identified as having duplicate entries were asked to complete Annexure-A forms. Through this form, voters were required to specify the ward in which they intended to exercise their voting rights. A large number of voters cooperated with the process and submitted their forms, enabling the BMC to clean up the electoral rolls effectively.

However, the civic administration also noted that a section of voters did not extend cooperation. As many as 78,105 voters either declined to participate in the verification exercise or failed to submit their ward preferences during the door-to-door campaign. Officials stated that these individuals have been granted time until polling day to declare their preferred ward for voting.

Until such time that their preferences are officially submitted, the names of these voters will remain marked with a double asterisk in the electoral rolls. This marking serves as an indicator of unresolved duplicate entries and allows election authorities to keep track of pending verifications without immediately removing any names from the list.

The BMC further revealed that certain wards recorded a particularly high number of duplicate voter entries. Among these, L-ward in Kurla reported the highest concentration, followed by K-East ward in Andheri East and R-South ward in Kandivali East. Civic officials attributed this trend to high population density, frequent migration, and changes in residential addresses within these areas.

Senior officials from the municipal corporation stated that the technology-driven approach adopted by the BMC has received positive feedback from the State Election Commission. The commission has reportedly appreciated the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of the verification method, especially the integration of digital tools with physical field verification.

Encouraged by the success of the initiative in Mumbai, the State Election Commission has promoted the use of the same software-based verification model in other parts of Maharashtra. Several municipal corporations, including those in Akola, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Amravati, have already replicated the BMC’s approach to identify and reduce duplicate voter entries in their respective jurisdictions.

Civic authorities believe that the initiative will help strengthen the electoral process by ensuring cleaner and more reliable voter lists. By minimising duplicate entries, the system aims to prevent electoral discrepancies, enhance voter confidence, and promote fair and transparent elections.

The BMC has reiterated its commitment to continuously updating and refining electoral data through the use of technology and citizen participation. Officials have urged voters who are yet to submit their ward preferences to do so at the earliest, stressing that cooperation from citizens is essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

BMC Elections: BMC reduces duplicate voters list to 15%

Related News

BMC Election: किती उमेदवारांचे अर्ज वैध, किती बाद? मुंबई महापालिकेत अखेर कितीजण मैदानात?

मुंबईकरांसाठी मोठी घोषणा: १० रुपयांचा नाश्ता आणि महिलांना १५०० रुपये, ज्युनिअर ठाकरेंचा महामेगाप्लान उघड

BMC निवडणूक: ठाकरे बंधूंची 227 उमेदवारांची अंतिम यादी जाहीर! तुमच्या प्रभागातून कोण मैदानात? पाहा सविस्तर

Mumbai civic polls: NCP to approach State Election Commission, alleges bias favouring BJP–Shiv Sena candidates