Mumbai: Municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who is also the district election officer, on Friday warned officials that any negligence or violation of election laws during the BMC elections 2025–26 would not be tolerated, as he called for strict enforcement of rules at every stage of the poll process.Chairing a meeting of the election main coordination committee at the BMC headquarters that reviewed election preparedness, law and order arrangements, enforcement of the model code of conduct, the functioning of flying squads, and mechanisms to monitor suspicious and high-value financial transactions, Gagrani said the municipal polls were a crucial democratic exercise and must be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and disciplined manner. He stressed that during the model code of conduct period, every action must be accurately recorded and carried out strictly as per norms. “Discipline, peace and impartiality are the cornerstones of the election process. Any error, negligence or breach of rules will invite action,” he said, adding that strict compliance with election laws would help strengthen public confidence in the administration.Gagrani also issued instructions to various agencies to ensure close coordination and heightened vigilance.Briefing the committee, joint commissioner of police (law & order) Satyanarayan Choudhary said that adequate police personnel have been deployed for flying squads across civic wards. Security arrangements have been put in place at Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) storage locations and counting centres, while police protection will be provided during the transportation of EVMs. Mumbai Police have also prepared a tentative action plan for election-related duties.Chaudhary said arms seizure drives have begun, with notices issued to licensed arms holders across the city. Orders for seizure have been issued based on reports from local police stations, while preventive action and externment cases are being expedited. Social media platforms are also being monitored by the police cyber cell to prevent violations of the model code of conduct.The committee also directed agencies to keep a strict watch on the illegal movement of cash at airports and railway stations. Officials said details of suspicious or large-value transactions, including unusually large cash withdrawals and gift card transactions, must be immediately shared with the Income-Tax Department as per established procedures.
