BMC removes 2,103 illegal political hoardings day after model code is enforced

By Admin

17 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Just a day after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched an extensive crackdown on unauthorised political advertisements across Mumbai. The swift action signals the civic body’s intent to strictly enforce election norms and maintain fairness in the run-up to the polls.

Major Crackdown Across Mumbai
On Tuesday, the BMC removed 2,103 illegal political hoardings from different parts of the city. The drive covered a wide range of unauthorised materials, including hoardings, banners, kiosks, stickers, signs and flags that had been installed without prior permission. In addition to this, civic teams whitewashed 364 wall advertisements as part of the clean-up operation.

Municipal officials confirmed that the action was taken immediately after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits any form of political publicity that has not been officially approved or accounted for as election expenditure.

Strict Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct
According to civic officials, only those advertisements that have received official approval and are properly recorded as election expenses will now be permitted. Any material found violating the Model Code of Conduct will be removed without notice.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi stated that the primary aim of the crackdown was to prevent violations of the MCC and ensure a level playing field for all political parties. She added that the drive will continue in the coming days, indicating that the civic body is prepared for sustained enforcement rather than a one-time action.

Context of Anonymous Poster Campaigns
The BMC’s action comes against the backdrop of a surge in anonymous political posters and campaigns seen across Mumbai in recent weeks. Many of these posters highlighted issues related to Marathi identity and carried messages warning citizens against “handing over the city to one family,” an apparent reference to the Thackeray family.

These anonymous campaigns raised concerns about accountability, legality and the potential influence on voters, prompting the civic administration to act decisively once the Model Code was enforced.

War-Footing Drive Across Public Spaces
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) Chanda Jadhav emphasised that the removal of illegal hoardings and banners is being carried out on a war footing. Special attention is being given to major junctions, arterial roads, public spaces and government premises, where such advertisements are most visible and influential.

Teams have been deployed across different wards to ensure that no unauthorised political material remains on display. Officials have also been instructed to stay alert for new violations and take immediate action.

Appeal to Political Parties and Workers
Alongside the enforcement drive, the municipal administration has appealed to political parties, office bearers and party workers to cooperate with civic authorities. The BMC has urged them to refrain from putting up any material that violates the Model Code of Conduct and to follow due procedures for approvals wherever applicable.

Officials have made it clear that non-compliance will invite strict action, including removal of materials and possible penalties as per election and municipal rules.

Ensuring Fair and Clean Elections
The large-scale removal of illegal political hoardings reflects the BMC’s commitment to ensuring clean, fair and transparent elections in Mumbai. By acting swiftly and firmly, the civic body aims to prevent misuse of public spaces and unchecked political messaging that could influence voters unfairly.

As the election process moves forward, continued vigilance by civic authorities, along with cooperation from political stakeholders, will be crucial in upholding the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct and maintaining order in the city’s public spaces.