BMC Confirms Postal Ballot Boxes to Be Opened Only on Counting Day Amid Allegations

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clarified that postal ballot boxes for the 2026 municipal elections will remain locked in the strong room and be opened only on the counting day, January 16, alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This followed an erroneous letter circulated on January 8, which was withdrawn and replaced. The clarification came after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged irregularities in postal ballot handling and questioned the delay in holding elections after nine years.