Key Takeaways:
- BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani inspected election training centres in Lower Parel and Kandivali as Mumbai prepares for the BMC Election 2026.
- First-phase training for election officers has begun at seven centres citywide, focusing on voting procedures and EVM handling.
- Gagrani observed mock poll procedures and reviewed Electronic Voting Machine components, including the Ballot Unit and Control Unit.
- Senior election officials attended the inspections to ensure staff are fully prepared for transparent, efficient polling.
BMC chief reviews Mumbai election training ahead of 2026 polls
Mumbai’s civic administration intensified preparations for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 on Tuesday as civic chief Bhushan Gagrani inspected election training centres at Lower Parel and Kandivali. The visits formed part of the first phase of training for officers and staff appointed to election duties, officials said.
Mumbai election training details
Gagrani attended training sessions at the N. M. Joshi Marg Municipal School in Lower Parel and the Prabodhankar Keshav Sitaram Thackeray Natyagruha in Kandivali, observing instruction on voting procedures, mock polls and the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Trainers demonstrated the Ballot Unit (BU) and Control Unit (CU) and rehearsed the sequence of checks and controls to be used on polling day.
Officials stressed that the training is designed to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process when polling takes place on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The first phase of training has begun across seven centres in the city, selected to provide accessible locations for poll staff from all wards. These centres include Annabhau Sathe Auditorium in Byculla, N. M. Joshi Marg Municipal School at Curry Road, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital Auditorium in Sion (East), Balgandharva Auditorium at Link Road in Bandra, Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Vile Parle, Mahakavi Kalidas Natyagruha in Mulund (West), and Prabodhankar Keshav Sitaram Thackeray Natyagruha in Borivali (West).
“We are focusing on practical drills and consistent procedures so polling staff are confident with equipment and processes,” an official said. Training covers setup and shutdown of EVMs, conducting mock polls, handling voter queues, and the steps to follow if technical issues arise. The sessions aim to reduce errors and shorten voting times while maintaining transparency.
Operational checks and senior oversight
Senior election department officers accompanied the civic chief during the inspections. Present were Special Officer (Election) Vijay Balamwar, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 7) Sanjay Kurhade, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale, Assistant Commissioner (G South Ward) Swapnaja Kshirsagar and Assistant Commissioner (R Central Ward) Praful Tambe, among others. Officials said the presence of senior staff helped ensure uniformity in training and offered a forum to address practical concerns raised by trainees.
During his review, Gagrani queried trainers and staff about contingency measures, transport of EVMs to polling stations, and the chain of custody procedures. He also observed demonstrations of mock polls, a key exercise that allows officials to practise vote recording and result tabulation without voters present.
Preparing for polling day
With polling day approaching, the administration is placing particular emphasis on clarity of roles, time-tested procedures and logistical planning. Training organisers said follow-up sessions will reinforce lessons and offer refresher modules for new or rotating staff. Officials reiterated that transparent, well-rehearsed procedures are essential to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
The inspections aim to ensure that every election official leaving training is ready to perform their duties efficiently and professionally on 15 January. The civic administration said further reviews and drills will continue until the election to address any outstanding issues and to confirm readiness across all wards.
