The civic body said that since the election code of conduct is currently in force, it is not appropriate to hold meetings, conduct detailed discussions, or take decisions on policy matters
Police stopped the protesters and directed them to Azad Maidan. Pic/Special Arrangement
Members of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra staged a protest in Mumbai on Thursday, demanding action against the alleged closure, poor maintenance and reconstruction of BMC-run Marathi medium schools.
The protest, which began at 10.30 am, saw large participation of supporters gathering at Hutatma Chowk before marching towards the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on Mahanagarpalika Marg, opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
Police stopped the protesters midway, following a brief scuffle, and directed them to Azad Maidan. Later, a five-member delegation, including Dr Deepak Pawar, founder of Marathi Abhyas Kendra, was taken to meet BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the protesters said.
During the meeting, Mumbai civic officials accepted the memorandum submitted by the protesters but declined to hold detailed discussions, citing the Model Code of Conduct in force due to the upcoming BMC Elections 2026, an official statement said.
Protesters allege lack of response
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Pawar said that the group had been trying to engage with the civic body for months without success.
“We have been in correspondence with the BMC for the past six months, but we received no answers. Is this not insensitivity?” he asked.
BMC issues clarification
The BMC said the protesters had earlier been invited for discussions at the Deputy Commissioner level, but claimed the group did not respond at the time, an official statement said.
The civic body later clarified that since the election code of conduct is currently in force, it is not appropriate to hold meetings, conduct detailed discussions, or take decisions on policy matters.
“However, keeping in mind the sentiments of the protesters and the importance of Marathi medium schools, a meeting will be held to discuss these issues in detail after the election process is completed,” the statement said.
BMC gears up for polls in city
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has began gearing up for the upcoming municipal elections and the Mumbai civic chief on Thursday orders strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in city.
BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani directed election officers to personally inspect polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the BMC Elections 2026.
He also instructed the police, excise department and other agencies to take preventive measures for the effective implementation of the MCC, officials said.
The directions were issued during a joint meeting of municipal officials, election decision officers, police and excise department officials held at the BMC headquarters on December 18, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Gagrani, they said.
According to an official statement, several senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Special Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, and Deputy District Election Officer Vijaykumar Suryavanshi, were present, along with 23 election decision officers.
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