To ensure free and fair elections and maintain the purity of the electoral process, the department has set up a 24/7 election monitoring control room in Pune, an official statement said
The Income Tax Department has urged responsible citizens to report information related to the use of cash or valuables for electioneering purposes.. Representational Pic/File
The Income Tax Department has announced strict measures to curb the misuse of money power during the Maharashtra local body elections, an official statement said on Tuesday.
To ensure free and fair elections and maintain the purity of the electoral process, the department has set up a 24/7 election monitoring control room in Pune, it said.
Municipal corporations under monitoring
The control room will monitor election-related financial activities in the municipal corporations including Thane, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji and Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the official statement said.
It said that the monitoring mechanism will remain active for the entire period during which the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force.
Public encouraged to share information
The Income Tax Department has urged responsible citizens to report information related to the use of cash or valuables for electioneering purposes.
The officials said that the members of the public can share information confidentially through the following channels:
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-233-0701
- WhatsApp Number: 9922380806
- Email: pune.pdit.inv@incometax.gov.in
Officials said that the initiative is part of the department’s commitment to uphold transparency and prevent illegal use of money during elections.
Nomination process for Thane Municipal Corporation elections begins on December 23
The nomination process for candidates contesting the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) General Elections 2025–26 started on Tuesday, December 23. The civic body, while releasing a statement, announced it on Monday.
As per the civic body, the process of issuing and accepting nomination papers will continue until December 30, between 11 am and 3 pm, excluding public holidays on Thursday, December 25, and Sunday, December 28.
The Thane Municipal Corporation further highlighted that updated samples of nomination papers and mandatory affidavits have been prepared for the upcoming elections. Furthermore, the candidates have been advised to obtain samples, complete the required forms, get them duly attested by the competent authority, and submit them to the respective Election Returning Officers within the prescribed timeline.
The election booklet
The TMC, with a view to facilitating candidates, has also compiled a comprehensive information booklet. The booklet is available at a cost of Rs 100 with the Election Returning Officers appointed for each ward committee.
Furthermore, the booklet contains samples of nomination papers and affidavits. Also, a checklist of documents to be attached and essential forms such as applications for withdrawal of candidature, appointment of election agents and polling agents, and forms related to ballot paper name printing.
The booklet also includes Annexure-1 and Annexure-2 for party candidates, details of election expenditure limits, formats for submission of election expenses, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, law and order guidelines, and advertising certification orders.
Additionally, it provides ward-wise reservation details, a combined ward map, information on security deposits, eligibility and disqualification criteria, and contact details of returning officers and help desks.
Updated formats of nomination papers and affidavits, as per the State Election Commission’s order dated December 12, 2025, have also been incorporated, officials said.
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