Maharashtra SEC Limits Door-to-Door Campaigning After Official Poll Period Ends

The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has barred microphones and large groups during door-to-door campaigning for the upcoming civic polls on January 15, 2026, limiting personal outreach to five people without loudspeakers after the official campaign period ended on January 13. The SEC cited a 2012 order to justify allowing limited personal visits beyond public canvassing. Opposition parties, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, criticized this decision, alleging it favors the ruling coalition and changes rules close to the election date.