Mumbai BMC election: Candidates hoping to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections must first clear what many are calling
a humiliating hurdle: the “toilet test”. In a rule that has left many red-faced, candidates are required to prove they have a toilet at home or officially declare that they don’t practise open defecation. The requirement has turned nomination day into an unexpectedly intimate affair, complete with forms, declarations and, in some cases, photographic proof. Under the nomination rules, aspirants are required to submit a certificate or self-declaration confirming that they have a toilet at home. Those without a private toilet must certify that they use public facilities and do not practise open defecation. The requirement stems from the Maharashtra government’s Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan, aimed at eliminating open defecation across the state. Election authorities argue that elected representatives must lead by example in promoting sanitation.
Uncomfortable, but left with little choice
Pranali Raut, an Aam Aadmi Party candidate contesting from ward 190 in Mahim, told HT, “To get certified, we have to submit at least two photos (of toilets) to the ward officer. Then we have to fill a form, after which the ward officer issues the certificate.”
Independent candidate Mansoor Umer Darvesh, contesting from ward number 62 in Jogeshwari, questioned the logic behind the requirement. “I live in a housing society and that should be sufficient proof that I have a toilet at home. Why do we need to submit proof? Besides, these forms are so complex that one needs the help of an advocate,” he told HT.
While candidates have raised objections over what they describe as “toilet shoots”, the BMC maintains that toilet certification has been mandatory since 2017 for all urban local self-government bodies in Maharashtra, including the civic body.
The State Election Commission said the relevant form was officially included in nomination requirements in 2018. As this is the first local body election after 2018, many candidates are encountering the rule for the first time.
500-word action note
However, former corporators say the paperwork has become significantly more cumbersome. Former mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vishakha Raut told HT, “We do not remember submitting any declaration or certificate saying we have toilets at home or that we do not practise open defecation. Also, the nomination form has become complicated. We are now asked to write a 100 to 500-word note on what we will do after getting elected as corporators. It feels like going back to school!”Former corporator from Ghatkopar East and NCP (SP) leader Rakhi Jadhav echoed the concern, “Some people are changing things as they wish, just to assert their authority.”
Former Mulund corporator Sanjay Turde, now with the Shiv Sena, acknowledged changes in the process but said assistance was being provided. “There are 25% changes in the form. However, ward-level officers are helping candidates resolve difficulties and are issuing documents as quickly as possible,” he told HT.
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare clarified that the toilet certification rule is not new. “We are using a form issued in 2018. For toilet use, we are also accepting self-declarations if certificates are not available,” he said.
The BMC, meanwhile, said candidates should not have been caught off guard. In a statement issued on Saturday, the civic administration said, “Detailed information was provided during a meeting held at the Municipal Corporation headquarters with representatives of political parties. The assistant commissioner or ward officer should take necessary action as per rules.”
The statement added, “It has also been clarified that there is no need to take photographs of the toilet or the candidate, and all concerned should take note of this.”
