24 Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation Candidates Disqualified For Three Years
Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal has disqualified 24 candidates who contested the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) elections in Bhiwandi after they failed to submit their mandatory election expenditure accounts. The official order, issued on July 2, 2026, bars all 24 candidates from contesting any election for the next three years.
The disqualification followed prolonged non-compliance with statutory election rules. These rules require every contesting candidate to file a detailed statement of election expenses within a prescribed time limit to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The BNCMC administration had previously submitted a complaint regarding the candidates' non-compliance. A proposal seeking their disqualification had been pending before the Konkan Divisional Commissioner's office as a result of this complaint.
According to officials, the candidates repeatedly ignored directions issued by election authorities. They failed to furnish their expenditure accounts even after being granted multiple opportunities to comply with the rules.
To ensure compliance with the principles of natural justice, Commissioner Agrawal provided the candidates with opportunities to present their cases. Formal hearings were scheduled on May 25, 2026, and June 29, 2026, at the office of the Konkan Divisional Commissioner.
However, none of the 24 candidates appeared before the authority on either date. They also failed to offer any explanation for their continued failure to comply with the statutory requirements.
Following their persistent non-compliance and absence from the scheduled hearings, Commissioner Agrawal issued the final disqualification order on July 2, 2026.
Election officials stated that the decision reinforces the legal obligation of candidates to maintain transparency in campaign finances. The order is expected to serve as a reminder to future candidates regarding adherence to election laws and financial accountability.
The 24 affected candidates will remain barred from contesting any elections during the three-year disqualification period unless a competent authority grants them relief in accordance with the law.
