What Actions is Maha SEC Taking Regarding BMC Nomination Complaints?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has taken action amidst complaints that returning officers in Colaba obstructed candidates from submitting their nominations. This situation raises concerns over election integrity, especially with influential figures involved. What will the SEC's findings reveal?
Key Takeaways
- The SEC is investigating complaints of rejected nominations in Colaba.
- Political figures involved include Rahul Narwekar and his family.
- The elections are scheduled for January 15, with counting on January 16.
Mumbai, Jan 1 (NationPress) - On Thursday, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) requested a comprehensive report from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. This followed allegations from candidates claiming that returning officers in south Mumbai’s Colaba area did not accept their nomination forms on the final submission day, as stated by an official.
The issue specifically concerns wards 225, 226, and 227 within the Colaba constituency, where relatives of BJP leader and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar are contesting the upcoming BMC elections. Narwekar is currently the MLA for the Colaba Assembly constituency.
A senior official from the SEC indicated that the BMC commissioner had been alerted to complaints from certain candidates who asserted that their nomination forms were rejected by returning officers in these three wards on the last day for submissions.
“In light of the complaints and the public and media response, the Commission has requested a report from Commissioner Gagrani, who also serves as the election officer for the BMC polls in Mumbai,” the official commented.
The SEC has yet to confirm the identities of the political parties that submitted the complaints or whether the allegations target any specific political figure.
“Upon receiving the BMC commissioner’s report, the SEC will make an appropriate determination,” the official added.
In the meantime, Babban Mahadik, a candidate representing the Shiv Sena (UBT)–Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance, alleged that the Assembly Speaker was attempting to pressure local officials to block the acceptance of nomination forms from candidates affiliated with other parties.
During a press conference, Mahadik claimed that despite being present, paying the necessary security deposit, and arriving before the deadline, his nomination for Ward 226 was not accepted.
Social media allegations stated that as many as 12 candidates faced obstacles in filing their nomination papers within the Colaba constituency on the last day, with claims that officials were pressured to deny acceptance and that independent candidates faced intimidation within the nomination filing area.
In wards 225, 226, and 227, Rahul Narwekar’s brother Makrand Narwekar, sister Gauri Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshita Shivalkar are contesting. The three submitted their nomination papers on December 30, with Rahul Narwekar present during the process.
December 30 marked the final day for submitting nominations for the BMC elections and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Voting is set for January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16.
The candidates who lodged complaints asserted that rival contestants were intentionally obstructed from filing nominations to facilitate the uncontested election of the Speaker’s relatives.
However, Speaker Rahul Narwekar has denied these claims. His brother Makrand Narwekar stated that the Speaker was present solely to support official BJP candidates.
“We are committed to conducting elections in a democratic and fair manner,” he declared.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold unbiased reporting, especially in politically charged circumstances. The allegations surrounding the non-acceptance of nominations in Mumbai's Colaba constituency highlight potential barriers to fair elections. It's essential that the Maharashtra SEC thoroughly investigates these claims to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue reported?
Candidates have claimed that their nomination forms were not accepted by returning officers in Colaba, prompting the SEC to investigate.
Who requested the report from the BMC Commissioner?
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) requested the report from BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
What is the significance of this controversy?
The situation raises concerns over the integrity of the election process, especially with relatives of influential politicians involved.
