Hearing underway: BMC examines 277 public objections to the newly proposed ward map ahead of elections

by Webdesk
12 Sep 2025

Mumbai: Public Hearings on Draft Ward Boundaries for BMC Polls Continue, 277 Objections Reviewed on Day Two

The process of finalising ward boundaries for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections gained further momentum on Thursday as the civic administration held its second day of public hearings. During the session, a total of 277 objections and suggestions submitted by citizens were formally addressed by the authorities.

The BMC had earlier, on August 22, released a draft notification outlining proposed changes to the ward boundaries across Mumbai. Citizens were invited to submit their objections and feedback by September 4. This step, seen as one of the most significant preparatory measures for the civic elections, ensures that public participation forms an integral part of the decision-making process.

Hearings had commenced on Wednesday, where 189 submissions were reviewed. With the inclusion of Thursday’s proceedings, the administration has now heard 466 objections and suggestions over two consecutive days. Officials confirmed that the remaining representations will be taken up on Friday. These hearings are being organised at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Nariman Point, where the BMC has encouraged citizens to attend in person to present their viewpoints directly to the panel.

Among the objections, a notable intervention came from former corporator Pravina Morajkar, who previously represented Ward 169 in Kurla East. Morajkar raised serious concerns over the reassignment of certain neighbourhoods, particularly Nehru Nagar, to Ward 170. She pointed out that Nehru Nagar and adjoining areas have historically remained under Ward 169, and such sudden changes were neither clearly explained by the civic administration nor logically justified.

Morajkar argued, “For years, the boundary near Kurla East station and the number of Ward 169 have remained constant. Now, this area has been shifted to Ward 170 without any valid reasoning. Key infrastructure facilities such as roads, drainage systems, and water pipelines still fall under Ward 169. Hence, the rationale behind this reallocation remains questionable.”

She further highlighted the possible impact of these alterations on voter turnout. According to her, several residents may feel discouraged to cast their votes if they are required to travel further distances to polling stations located under Ward 170. She added that confusion may also arise since many citizens’ voter registrations continue to be linked with Ward 169. Morajkar claimed that residents have already voiced reluctance to vote under the new arrangement, citing additional travel expenses and the inconvenience created by the boundary modifications.

The hearings are being conducted under the supervision of Iqbal Singh Chahal, the government-appointed authorised officer and Additional Chief Secretary (Home). Senior officials of the BMC are also playing a key role in the process. Those present during Thursday’s session included Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Special Duty Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, Deputy Commissioner (Elections and Assessment & Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar, and Assistant Commissioner (Assessment & Collection) Gajanan Bellale, along with several other senior civic officials.

The exercise of redrawing ward boundaries is part of the statutory procedure before civic elections, ensuring fair representation and effective governance at the local level. Officials have emphasised that the hearings are being conducted to maintain transparency and to ensure that citizens’ voices are considered before finalising the ward map.

Political observers note that such hearings are not only administrative in nature but also hold political significance, as minor boundary shifts can influence voting patterns in crucial areas. With over 400 submissions already reviewed and more still pending, the outcome of these hearings will play a vital role in shaping the electoral map of Mumbai ahead of the 2025 BMC polls.

The civic body has reassured citizens that every suggestion and objection will be evaluated on merit, and necessary revisions will be incorporated wherever feasible. The final ward boundaries will be notified only after this exhaustive hearing process is completed.

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02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Hearing underway: BMC examines 277 public objections to the newly proposed ward map ahead of elections

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