Mumbai | The Maharashtra Municipal Elections are now officially underway, with State Election Commissioner Dinesh T. Waghmare announcing the long-awaited schedule for 29 municipal corporations. The announcement has immediately heated up the state’s political climate, as major parties prepare for a crucial urban electoral battle.
As per the notification, nomination forms can be filed between December 23 and December 30, 2025. Scrutiny of nominations will be carried out on December 31, while candidates will have time until January 2, 2026, to withdraw their papers.
The final list of candidates and allocation of election symbols will be completed by January 3, 2026.
Voting on January 15, Results on January 16
Polling for all 29 civic bodies—including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and others—will take place on January 15, 2026. Counting of votes will be held the very next day, January 16, 2026, providing quick clarity on the political landscape across Maharashtra’s urban centers.
With major metros involved, these polls are seen as a barometer for the upcoming state assembly elections.
Model Code of Conduct Comes Into Force
Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced across all municipal corporation jurisdictions. This restricts government announcements, inaugurations and fund releases, ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.
All major political parties—including the BJP, Shiv Sena (both factions), Congress, NCP, MNS and regional outfits—have begun intense groundwork, internal meetings and candidate finalisation. Analysts believe the outcome of these elections will send strong political signals ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
