BMC Clarifies Postal Ballot Handling After Uddhav Thackeray Flags 'Irregularity'

• BMC stated postal ballot boxes will remain locked in the strong room until January 16, 2026, the counting day, alongside EVMs.
• The clarification follows Uddhav Thackeray's allegations of irregularities regarding the handling of postal ballots.
• A letter circulated on January 8, 2026, instructing early removal of ballot boxes, was issued in error and subsequently withdrawn.
• Revised instructions confirm postal ballots will be removed and segregated ward-wise only on the counting day, January 16.
• Election Decision Officers have informed candidates and representatives to be present during the counting process.

Why It Matters: BMC assures transparency in postal ballot handling, clarifying a procedural error after Uddhav Thackeray's concerns.