Mumbai, Jan. 12 -- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Monday announced that around 1,700 candidates across 227 wards are participating in this election.

The BMC Commissioner further declared that the civic body is fully prepared to conduct the municipal elections.

"BMC is all prepared to conduct these elections. Voting will be held on 15th January and counting on 16th. There are 227 wards in total. 1700 candidates are contesting," said Gagrani.

Meanwhile, ahead of the elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made strong remarks about Marathi identity, asserting that the civic body's leadership would remain in Marathi hands.

Countering Opposition claims over threats to the "Marathi m...