Are Candidates in Maharashtra Allowed Door-to-Door Campaigning Until Tomorrow?
Synopsis
As campaigning for 29 municipal corporations winds down, Maharashtra's Election Commissioner clarifies that candidates can still engage in door-to-door outreach. This decision raises questions about fairness and oversight in the electoral process. Will this lead to new tensions among political factions?
Key Takeaways
Candidates can campaign door-to-door until January 14.
Public rallies and loudspeakers are banned.
Only five individuals are allowed per campaigning group.
Cash distribution is closely monitored as a criminal offense.
Election officials cleared of wrongdoing in nomination issues.
Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) With the loud public campaigning for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, officially ending at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare has confirmed that candidates are still allowed to conduct "door-to-door" campaigning.
The door-to-door campaigning can take place on January 13 and 14 as polling is set for January 15.
While public rallies, processions, and the use of loudspeakers are now strictly prohibited, candidates can engage in personal outreach, as long as they are accompanied by no more than five people.
This announcement stirred reactions during a press conference, with journalists questioning if it was a new rule designed to benefit specific candidates.
Commissioner Waghmare firmly refuted these claims, highlighting a standing order from February 14, 2012.
"This isn't a new directive; it was also in place during the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections," Waghmare stated.
He explained, "Public campaigning, which includes rallies and meetings, must cease 48 hours prior to polling. However, personal interaction is still permitted. Candidates can visit homes or engage with voters outside a 100-metre radius of polling booths, but cannot use microphones or travel in large groups," he added.
He reiterated that no more than five individuals, including the candidate, can conduct door-to-door campaigning.
A complete ban on microphones and sound systems is in effect, according to State Election Commissioner Waghmare.
He cautioned that any distribution of cash or gifts is a criminal offense and is under strict surveillance.
Critics and political analysts warn that allowing door-to-door campaigning could spark new conflicts between opposing factions, as tracking individual visits for violations of the model code of conduct is far more challenging than monitoring public rallies.
Regarding accusations that Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar blocked Opposition candidates from filing nominations in Colaba, Commissioner Waghmare stated that an initial investigation found no wrongdoing by election officials.
"We reviewed the video evidence. Officials called for applications multiple times before the 5 p.m. deadline. We have requested additional footage to finalize the inquiry," he added.
In response to questions about a video purportedly showing cash distribution in Ward-29 of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Commissioner Waghmare confirmed that he has requested a detailed report from Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goel regarding the incident.
In regions where candidates have been elected unopposed, the State Election Commissioner is not yet ready to validate the results.
Reports have been requested to ensure that no pressure or coercion was applied against opponents, that no financial incentives were offered for withdrawals, and that the withdrawals were entirely voluntary and free of police complaints.
Point of View
It's essential to approach the evolving electoral landscape in Maharashtra with a balanced perspective. The allowance for door-to-door campaigning, while potentially contentious, must be viewed within the framework of established regulations. This situation calls for careful monitoring to ensure compliance with electoral laws while safeguarding candidates' rights to engage with voters directly.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of campaigning for municipal elections in Maharashtra?
As of now, public campaigning has ceased, but candidates are allowed to conduct door-to-door campaigning until January 14.
How many people can accompany candidates during door-to-door campaigning?
Candidates are permitted to be accompanied by no more than five individuals during door-to-door campaigning.
Are there any restrictions on the use of sound systems?
Yes, there is a complete ban on microphones and sound systems during the campaigning period.
What happens if candidates distribute cash or gifts?
Distributing cash or gifts is considered a criminal offense and is being closely monitored by the authorities.
What has been said about election officials regarding nomination filings?
An initial investigation has cleared election officials of any wrongdoing concerning allegations of blocking nominations.
