The initiative is being implemented as per guidelines issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on June 12, 2025, with a detailed action plan prepared by the BMC and executed through various departments and agencies
One of the voter awareness selfie points have been put up at BMC headquarters in south Mumbai. Pic/BMC
Ahead of the BMC Election 2026, the civic administration has rolled out an extensive voter awareness campaign under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme to increase voter turnout and promote informed participation.
The initiative is being implemented as per guidelines issued by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on June 12, 2025, with a detailed action plan prepared by the BMC and executed through various departments and agencies.
Voting for the BMC elections will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.
According to an official statement, the SVEEP campaign is being carried out under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani, with guidance from Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi.
Senior civic officials are overseeing the coordinated implementation of the campaign across Mumbai.
Dr Joshi has appealed to citizens to exercise their voting rights freely, without fear or inducement, it said.
Over 10 million voters to participate
Pic/BMC
Mumbai has over 10.34 million registered voters, and the civic body aims to ensure that every voter understands the importance of their vote. The campaign focuses on encouraging ethical voting and discouraging inducements, under the message that voting is a right, not a transaction, the statement said.
Awareness through digital and public platforms
Voter awareness messages are being displayed through digital hoardings approved by the BMC, screens at 24 civic facilitation centres, Central and Western Railway stations, Mumbai Metro services, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, platforms managed by MMRDA and MSRDC and daily voter awareness messages are also being shared on BMC’s official social media handles, civic officials said.
Schools, colleges and youth participation
More than one lakh voter pledge letters with the message “I will definitely vote on January 15, 2026” have been sent to parents through students of BMC-run schools.
Schools are also conducting essay competitions, drawing competitions, morning rallies, NSS volunteers are organising awareness rallies and street plays to reach young and first-time voters, they said.
Messages through sanitation vehicles and housing societies
Pic/BMC
Around 1,300 garbage collection vehicles have been fitted with posters and audio announcements promoting voting.
Housing societies have been roped in through cooperation with the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Notices regarding polling date, timing and required identity documents are being displayed on society notice boards.
Selfie points and public attractions
Voter awareness selfie points have been set up at BMC headquarters, Gateway of India, all 24 ward offices, Diamond Garden in Chembur.
The SVEEP nodal officers in each ward are also conducting localised activities.
Cinema halls, radio and public announcements
Short 30-second voter awareness films are being screened across 62 cinema halls on 200 screens in Mumbai, the official statement said.
Awareness messages are also being broadcast through FM radio channels, theatre halls, government offices, ST bus stations, hotels and restaurants.
‘My Vote Is Not for Sale’ Campaign
BMC’s Public Relations Department is running a strong social media campaign under the tagline “My Vote, Not for Sale”, highlighting ethical voting and the importance of democracy.
Pic/BMC
Celebrity outreach and flash mobs
Public figures are sharing voter awareness messages through BMC’s platforms.
Flash mobs are being conducted at 25 crowded locations, including railway stations, malls and beaches, to explain the voting process and motivate first-time voters.
Traditional street plays still effective
Alongside modern platforms, traditional street plays (pathnatya) are being used to spread information about the polling date and time, importance of voting, required documents and how to check names in the voter list.
The civic officials said that the multi-layered campaign aims to reach every voter and ensure a high turnout on polling day.
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