Maharashtra civic polls: Microphones, large groups barred during door-to-door campaign

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has banned civilian poll candidates from using microphones and moving in large groups during door-to-door polling, citing its decision to allow only limited personal access after the end of public campaigning.

Opposition parties criticized the decision, claiming that it weakened restrictions imposed by the electoral authority itself and allowed candidates to continue campaigning in person despite the official end of public campaigning.

Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in the state will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The official public survey regarding the ballot boxes ended on the evening of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, but the YSK said that candidates can visit voters’ homes and campaigns, provided that the number of people does not exceed five and microphones are not used.

Candidates are allowed to meet voters in person and conduct door-to-door visits beyond a 100-meter radius of polling stations, without supporters and without using loudspeakers or electronic media, even after public campaigns have ended, as per the YSK’s order.

The pollster cited an order dated February 14, 2012 to clarify that such personal contacts do not amount to public campaigning and are subject to strict conditions. According to the directive, it is prohibited to conduct campaigns through electronic media, including SMS, after the public campaign period ends. The decision was circulated to all municipal commissioners and district collectors for implementation.