BMC polls vote counting to begin at 10 am today: Centres, security and rules explained

Counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will begin at 10 am today across Mumbai. The exercise will be held at 23 designated counting centres in the city.

Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani said all arrangements have been completed for a smooth and orderly counting process. The exercise will follow the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and the Model Code of Conduct.

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Security, traffic control and law-and-order measures have been strengthened across Mumbai to ensure the process is conducted without disruption.

23 centres, 227 wards: How counting has been arranged

According to a statement issued by the BMC, the counting plan has been formally approved by the Municipal Commissioner. Twenty-three Returning Officers have been appointed to supervise counting for the city’s 227 municipal wards.

Counting halls and strong rooms have been identified within the respective jurisdictions of these officers. All locations have been cleared after approvals from the Public Works Department and the Police Department.

Gagrani reviewed the preparations along with senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi and Special Officer (Election) Vijay Balamwar. He said all steps have been taken to ensure that the counting is conducted in a transparent and time-bound manner.

Security, staff deployment and entry rules explained

Officials said the arrangements include finalised layouts of counting centres, table allocation, CCTV surveillance, fire safety measures and the availability of medical facilities. Coordination with the police has been maintained to prevent any untoward incidents during the counting process.

A total of 2,299 personnel have been deployed for the operation. This includes supervisors, assistants and Class IV staff. All personnel have completed mandatory training ahead of the exercise.

Traffic plans are in place around counting centres, with designated parking zones and separate areas for media personnel. Entry into counting halls will be restricted to authorised candidates, their representatives and accredited media personnel carrying valid identity cards issued by the Election Department.

Authorities have urged all concerned to strictly follow the instructions of the Maharashtra State Election Commission. A computerised system will be used to count and declare the results to ensure accuracy and transparency.