Mumbai: As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is set to complete three years without any elected member in the civic, the demand for BMC elections have been constantly rising. A Govandi-based social activist has written to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding timely announcement of civic elections in Mumbai.
In the running month, BMC will complete three years without any elected representatives. As the demands voicing the need of corporators is rising, Govandi New Sangam Welfare Association’s Shaikh Faiyaz Alam has written to Maharashtra’s Chief Election Commissioner for his intervention and immediate announcement of civic election’s schedule.
Through his letter, Alam has alleged that the citizens of Mumbai have been deprived of their constitutional right to elect representatives as the corporation has been dfunctioning under administrative rule.
He also added that the delay attributed to legal proceedings related to delimitation and reservation policies contradicts the principles of democracy. “Local body elections are central to the basic structure of the Constitution, and prolonged delays undermine this foundation,” he said.
Alam also cited Article 243U of the Constitution, which states that municipal body elections must be conducted before the term expires or, in extraordinary circumstances, within six months of dissolution. The current delay of nearly three years violates this mandate, disregarding the Constitution’s emphasis on timely elections and participatory governance, he added.
Alam alleged that the lack of elected leadership in Mumbai has resulted in delayed infrastructure projects, inefficient grievance redressal, and diminished public trust in the system. He also quoted the Supreme Court, which has repeatedly emphasised, that elections should not be indefinitely delayed, even in the face of legal or administrative challenges.
“The democratic rights of Mumbai’s citizens must not be further compromised due to delays arising from legal or administrative challenges. Conducting these elections promptly will restore accountability, enhance transparency, and ensure that the governance of Mumbai reflects the will of its people,” said Alam.
