An official said the issue pertains to wards numbered 225, 226, and 227 in the Colaba constituency, where kin of BJP leader and Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar are in the fray for the January 15 civic polls
BMC headquarters. File Pic
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday sought a detailed report from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation chief Bhushan Gagrani following allegations by some candidates that returning officers in south Mumbai's Colaba area refused to accept their nomination forms for the BMC elections 2026 on the last day of the filing process.
Allegations linked to Colaba wards 225, 226, 227
An official said the issue pertains to wards numbered 225, 226, and 227 in the Colaba constituency, where kin of BJP leader and Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar are in the fray for the January 15 civic polls.
Rahul Narwekar’s relatives contesting from key wards
Rahul Narwekar's brother Makrand Narwekar, sister Gauri Shivalkar and sister-in-law Harshita Shivalkar are contesting the civic polls from wards 225, 226 and 227. The three filed their nomination papers on Tuesday in the presence of Rahul Narwekar.
Media outrage prompts Election Commission action
"BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had received complaints from some candidates alleging that returning officers in the three wards did not accept their nomination forms on the final day of submission. After receiving complaints and in view of media outrage, the commission has sought a report from Gagrani, who is the election officer for civic polls in the metropolis," a senior SEC official told PTI.
SEC awaits BMC commissioner’s report
The SEC could not confirm the names of the political parties that filed the complaints or the allegations levelled against any particular political figure, adding that an appropriate call will be taken once the BMC commissioner's report is received.
Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance candidate levels serious charge
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance candidate Babban Mahadik alleged the assembly speaker tried to threaten local officials to prevent the acceptance of nomination forms of some candidates, reported PTI.
Despite being in the queue, paying the security deposit, and reaching the office before the deadline, his nomination form from ward 226 was not accepted, Mahadik told reporters.
Social media claims suggest multiple candidates blocked
As per allegations doing the rounds on social media, 12 candidates were prevented from filing their nomination forms in Colaba constituency on the last day. These candidates alleged that pressure was exerted on officials, with some independent candidates being threatened inside the nomination filing hall.
Makrand Narwekar denies allegations, defends democratic process
The speaker's brother and civic poll candidate, Makrand Narwekar, rubbished the allegations.
"Speaker Rahul Narwekar was present at the election officer's office only to support official BJP candidates. We believe in fighting elections in a democratic and fair manner," he said, reported PTI.
Key dates for BMC elections 2026
December 30 was the last date for filing nominations for BMC elections 2026 and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Polling is scheduled for January 15, with counting to be held on January 16.
(With inputs from PTI)
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