Over 2,100 Illegal Political Hoardings and Posters Removed by BMC Across Mumbai

by Webdesk
17 Dec 2025

Source: NDTV

A day after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force for the upcoming civic elections scheduled next month, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched an extensive crackdown on unauthorised political advertising across Mumbai. As part of this drive, the civic body removed more than 2,100 illegal banners, posters, hoardings, and other campaign-related materials displayed on public roads and spaces throughout the city.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the BMC confirmed that a total of 2,103 unauthorised items belonging to various political parties were taken down across Mumbai by 3 pm. These included posters, banners, hoardings, kiosks, flags, stickers, party symbols, and boards that were put up without prior permission or in violation of the election guidelines. The action was carried out soon after the election code came into effect, signalling the civic administration’s intent to strictly enforce the rules.

According to the BMC, the licence department spearheaded this massive operation and undertook the task on a war footing, deploying teams across all parts of the metropolis. Civic officials were instructed to ensure that no public spaces were misused for political promotion once the MCC became applicable. The drive covered major roads, junctions, public walls, footpaths, dividers, and other prominent locations where political advertising had been illegally displayed.

The civic body clarified that the swift action was necessary to maintain fairness in the electoral process and to prevent any violations of the Model Code of Conduct. “This action is being taken immediately to ensure that the code of conduct is not breached. Such enforcement measures will continue in the future as well,” the BMC said in its release. Officials also emphasised that the drive was not limited to a single day and would be carried out consistently during the election period.

The BMC further appealed to all political parties, their office-bearers, candidates, and party workers to cooperate with the municipal administration. It urged them to refrain from displaying any campaign material in public places without proper authorisation. The civic body warned that any future violations of the code would invite similar action, irrespective of the party involved. The administration reiterated that compliance with election norms was mandatory for all stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections.

This enforcement drive comes in the wake of the Maharashtra State Election Commission’s announcement of the election programme for 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The announcement, made on Monday, formally triggered the Model Code of Conduct, which lays down strict guidelines governing political activities during the election period. These rules are designed to prevent misuse of public resources and to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

As per the election schedule released by the State Election Commission, polling for the municipal corporation elections will be held on January 15, 2026. The counting of votes is slated to take place the very next day, on January 16, 2026. With the enforcement of the MCC, all political parties are required to follow prescribed norms related to campaigning, advertising, public meetings, and the use of government property.

Civic officials noted that unauthorised banners and posters not only violate election guidelines but also contribute to visual pollution and obstruct public spaces. The BMC has reiterated its commitment to keeping Mumbai’s roads clear and orderly during the election period. Similar drives are expected to continue in the coming days to ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct until the completion of the electoral process.

The large-scale removal of illegal political advertising highlights the civic body’s proactive approach ahead of the elections and serves as a clear message that violations of election norms will not be tolerated. As the city moves closer to polling day, authorities are expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Over 2,100 Illegal Political Hoardings and Posters Removed by BMC Across Mumbai

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