With the Model Code of Conduct set to kick in for the upcoming civic elections on January 15, 2026, the Maharashtra government has been on a clearance spree, reportedly giving the green light to over 50 Government Resolutions (GRs) in a single day. The State Election Commission (SEC) announced on December 15, 2025, that elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), would be held on January 15, 2026, with vote counting to occur on January 16.
The flurry of GRs has sparked discussions around adherence to protocol, with some observers noting a departure from traditional practices. Typically, GRs are issued after the cabinet approves a proposal and the meeting minutes are officially recorded. However, there have been instances where GRs were released "subject to" the minutes' approval, a move some officials have characterized as a deviation from established norms.
These GRs often involve the allocation of funds to various municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats. They can also encompass approvals for implementing schemes targeting specific communities and initiatives in sectors like agriculture and irrigation. For instance, funds have been allocated to projects such as the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Project and the Chief Minister's Sustainable Agriculture Irrigation Scheme.
The upcoming civic elections are considered high-stakes, particularly for the Shiv Sena (UBT), as they represent the first BMC election following the 2022 split within the Shiv Sena. The polls are viewed as a crucial test for political parties ahead of future state-level contests. The elections have been delayed due to legal issues and reservation concerns, with the Supreme Court setting a deadline of January 31 for conducting the polls.
The SEC's announcement comes after the announcement of Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, following the Supreme Court's order to conduct local body elections before January 31. The elections will cover 2,869 seats across 29 civic bodies, with 3.48 crore eligible voters. The nomination process is scheduled to commence on December 23 and continue until December 30, with scrutiny of papers on December 31. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is January 2, 2026, and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3, 2026.
In light of the upcoming elections, a code of conduct has been implemented in the 29 municipal areas. This code aims to ensure fair and transparent elections. The state government has previously removed GRs from its website following the enforcement of the model code of conduct for state assembly polls.
The government's decision to clear a high number of GRs before the Model Code of Conduct takes effect highlights the importance of these resolutions in shaping policy and resource allocation at the local level. As the state gears up for the civic elections, the focus remains on ensuring a level playing field and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
