Citizens check for their names in the voter list before casting their votes for BMC election, at Dharavi Transit Camp Municipal school, in Mumbai on 15 January. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)Mumbai BMC Elections 2026 Voting: Voting for the keenly watched Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took place on Thursday, with results set to be declared on Friday, January 16. Exit polls gave an edge to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance, with the joint grouping of Thackeray brothers — Uddhav of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj of MNS — losing power, according to media reports.
Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Results 2026 LIVE: Follow here
Voter turnout: As of the afternoon, approximately 41.08% of voters had cast their ballots in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday. Polling began at 7.30 am across 227 wards under tight security. Ward 114 in Bhandup recorded the highest turnout at 53.34%, while Ward 227 in Colaba saw the lowest at 15.73%.
Markers vs indelible ink: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray Thursday claimed that voters at several polling booths were being marked with markers instead of indelible ink. “People come out, wipe the ink, and go back inside to vote again. Then they come out, wipe it again and re-enter. Is this what the government calls development?,” he said. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denied these claims.
According to the JVC exit poll, projections for Mumbai’s North zone, which has 42 seats, show the BJP leading with an estimated 27-28 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (SHS) with 7-8 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to secure 4-5 seats, while the Congress may win 2–3 seats. The MNS and other parties are not projected to win any seats in this zone.
According to the Janmat exit poll, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is projected to win 138 seats, emerging as the clear front-runner. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS combine is estimated to secure 59 seats, while the Congress-VBA alliance is expected to bag 23 seats. Others are likely to win seven seats. In terms of vote share, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is forecast to receive 42- 45 per cent of the votes, followed by the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance with 34-37 per cent. The Congress-VBA combine is projected to get 13-15 per cent of the vote share, while others may account for 6-8 per cent.
The Axis My India exit poll projects that the BJP–Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena alliance will secure between 131 and 151 wards in the 227-member civic body. The Uddhav Thackeray–Raj Thackeray alliance is expected to win 58-68 wards, while the Congress is predicted to bag 12-16 wards.
As of the afternoon, approximately 41.08% of voters had cast their ballots in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday. Polling began at 7.30 am across 227 wards under tight security. Ward 114 in Bhandup recorded the highest turnout at 53.34%, while Ward 227 in Colaba saw the lowest at 15.73%.
“Nahin, awaaz nahin aaya, aapka vote nahin hua hain (No, the beep sound was not heard, your vote has not been cast),” says a poll officer to a citizen who was walking out believing he had cast his vote at a Mumbra polling station, which comes under the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) jurisdiction. The poll officer explained that the voter needed to cast four votes for his vote to be counted, and then went about explaining how the process worked. The Mumbra voter was not the only one confused. In 28 of the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra where elections were held on Thursday, electors had to cast three or four separate votes in a single visit to the polling booth. The voting under a three- or four-member ward system marked a departure from the traditional one-ward-one-corporator model, leading to uncertainty among voters.... Click Here
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Thursday questioned the integrity of the Election Commission and the prolonged delay in conducting civic polls.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questions the integrity of the Election Commission and the prolonged delay in conducting civic polls.#bmcpolls #maharashtracivicelections
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6zP5PRsjI7
Actor and Big Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna arrived at polling station to cast his vote.
After casting his vote, Khanna said, "I always cast my vote. I was out of Mumbai, but I came back only to vote in the elections. It took me hardly 2 minutes to go inside and cast my vote. I appeal to everyone to come and cast their votes."
#watch | Mumbai: After casting his vote for the BMC elections, Actor Gaurav Khanna says, "I always cast my vote. I was out of Mumbai, but I came back only to vote in the elections. It took me hardly 2 minutes to go inside and cast my vote. I appeal to everyone to come and cast… pic.twitter.com/xhUUIzYxIR
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Actor Shraddha Kapoor shows her inked finger after casting her vote in the BMC elections.
#watch | Mumbai: Actor Shraddha Kapoor shows her inked finger after casting her vote in the BMC elections. pic.twitter.com/43cpEsKsXm
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Actor Aamir Khan arrived at St. Anne High School, Bandra West, Mumbai to cast his vote for the BMC elections.
After casting his vote, Khan appealed everyone to come and vote.
"Good arrangements have been made here. I appeal everyone to come and use your precious vote. Please come and vote."
VIDEO | BMC Polls 2026: Actor Aamir Khan casts his vote St. Anne High School, Bandra West, Mumbai. He says, "Good arrangements have been made here. I appeal everyone to come and use your precious vote. Please come and vote."#bmcelection2026 #mumbainews
After casting his vote in the BMC polls, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, "Everyone should exercise their voting rights. In Mumbai, the voting percentage has crossed 25%, showing that people want change. We are contesting these elections on the issue of development. Since the Opposition knows they are losing, they are making allegations of discrepancies as an excuse. The election should be transparent, and everyone must get their right to vote."
VIDEO | Thane: After casting his vote in the BMC polls, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "Everyone should exercise their voting rights. In Mumbai, the voting percentage has crossed 25%, showing that people want change. We are contesting these elections on the issue of development.… pic.twitter.com/odQjlQLxCL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
Here's a look at voting percentages till 11:30am in Mumbai
BMC- 17.73%
Navi Mumbai- 19.68%
Vasai Virar-19.34%
KDMC-17.53%
Thane-19%
Bhajan singer Anup Jalota shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station in Mumbai for the BMC elections.
#watch | Mumbai | Famous bhajan singer Anup Jalota shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station in Mumbai for the BMC elections. pic.twitter.com/7YkBzdW6P2
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Responding to Raj Thackeray's claim that markers being used instead of inedible ink for voting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said "I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing? The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else, they can use oil paint if they want, the elections should be impartial. But creating a ruckus on everything and raising questions is very wrong."
#watch | Nagpur | On MNS chief Raj Thackeray's statement, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing? The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else, they can use oil paint if they want, the elections… https://t.co/YQeMZvhZV7 pic.twitter.com/mKN0wDfmDk
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Amid the ongoing elections for BMC, MNS chief Raj Thackeray Thusday claimed that the whole system and administration was being misused to help the ruling alliance.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Thackeray alleged that at several polling booths, voters were being marked with markers instead of indelible ink. He claimed the marks could be wiped off with sanitiser, making repeat voting possible.
"People come out, wipe the ink and go back inside to vote again. Then they come out, wipe it again and re-enter. Is this what the government calls development"Thackeray said.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, his family show their inked fingers after casting their vote for the Maharashtra local body elections. (Express Photo by Shubhangi Khapre)
Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray arrived at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their votes for the BMC elections.
#watch | Maharashtra: Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their votes for the BMC elections. pic.twitter.com/BD7lwLTF4F
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Voters with disability and senior citizens get wheelchair support to cast their vote in Dadar Mumbai. (Express Photo by Akash patil)
MNS chief Raj Thackeray reaches to cast vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.
VIDEO | BMC polls 2026: MNS chief Raj Thackeray reaches to cast vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#bmcelections #bmcelections2026 #mumbai pic.twitter.com/cstDbImgbk
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and his family after casting their vote in Nagpur. (Express photo by Dhananjay Khedkar)
After casting his vote, Gadkari said, "Voting in an election is our fundamental right. Who we vote for and who we don't is our right but fulfilling the duty associated with this right, which is given to us in a democracy, is the duty of every citizen. I appeal to all the people that it is your responsibility in a democracy to fully utilise your fundamental right. Please come, cast your vote..."
Voting percentage till 9:30am
Mumbai-6.98%
Thane- 8%
KDMC- 7.21%
Vasai Virar 8.49%
Nashik - 6.51%
Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar- - 7%
Ward number 162 in Kurla West of North Central Mumbai has seen the lowest voter turnout of 1.68%. a total of 15 candidates are in the fray here.
Ward number 18 in Kandivli in western suburbs of Mumbaikars registers highest polling in Mumbai at 11.57%. The ward has only two candidates, which are Sandhya Doshi of BJP and Sadichha More of MNS.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti casted his vote for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on Thursday.
Taking to X, Bharti said, "starting the day by fulfilling my duty! I have exercised my right and cast my vote in the
@mybmc elections along with my family."
He urged citizens to show up and exercise their right to vote.
"I urge every Mumbaikar to come forward and vote and encourage your near and dear ones to cast their votes as well."
Starting the day by fulfilling my duty!
— Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai (@CPMumbaiPolice) January 15, 2026
I have exercised my right and cast my vote in the @mybmc elections along with my family.
I urge every Mumbaikar to come forward and vote and encourage your near and dear ones to cast their votes as well. #bmcelections2026… pic.twitter.com/sLrSeGtC0j
More than 28,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mumbai to maintain law and order as voting for the city's civic body polls got underway on Thursday, officials said.
Long queues were seen at various polling booths, as the voting commenced at 7.30 am for the 227-ward Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Police deployment at the polling centres had been done well in advance to ensure a safe and peaceful election process, an official said.
More than 25,000 constables, 3,000 officers, including 10 additional commissioners, 33 deputy commissioners and 84 assistant commissioners of police were posted at various polling centres and important places in the city, he said.
"I appeal to every Mumbaikar to step out of their homes and exercise their democratic right by voting in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections," Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said on his X handle on Wednesday night.
The police have issued preventive orders, prohibiting the use of mobile phones at polling centres and banning posters, banners, and other election campaign materials of political parties.
Anyone who is not a candidate is not allowed to loiter or form an assembly within 100 meters of polling stations, the official said.
Strict action will be taken against those violating the election code of conduct, he added.
-PTI
The Maharashtra State election commission website for voters' list crashed today morning, reportedly due to higher usage. The SEC said that it is working on the problem.
Actor Suniel Shetty casts his vote for the BMC election.
After casting his vote, Shetty said, "I think by far, this is one of the most important election so everyone should come out and cast their votes. We just keep complaining about the work of BMC. Today, we should do some work... We need to be with the BMC and help them make Mumbai better..."
#watch | Mumbai: After casting his vote for the BMC election, Actor Suniel Shetty says, "I think by far, this is one of the most important election so everyone should come out and cast their votes. We just keep complaining about the work of BMC. Today, we should do some work...… pic.twitter.com/aVhfohJKax
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Poet and lyricist Gulzar also casted his vote for BMC elections.
After casting his vote, Gulzar said, "I always appeal to people to come out and exercise their right to vote. If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain. Despite being on a journey, I took time to come and vote."
VIDEO | Mumbai: After casting his vote in BMC polls, poet and lyricist Gulzar says, "I always appeal to people to come out and exercise their right to vote. If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain. Despite being on a journey, I took time to come and vote."#bmcpolls… pic.twitter.com/OryHlGW3lu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
Actor Nana Patekar arrives in Mumbai to cast his vote.
Speaking to reporters, Patekar said, "I understand that the and for this I travelled 3-4 hours (from Pune) and I am returning immediately. So please do vote."
#watch | Mumbai: After casting his vote for the BMC elections, Actor Nana Patekar says, "... I understand that the sign of my existence is to vote and for this I travelled 3-4 hours (from Pune) and I am returning immediately. So please do vote." pic.twitter.com/HL7yHUvcaR
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Indian singer, songwriter, music composer Vishal Dadlani casts vote at south Mumbai. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
Former MP Subhash Chandra on Thursday casted his vote for BMC elections.
"I participated in Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. People belonging to the higher income group often complain about several things... water supply, roads are not good, government, MLA, corporator is not good, they will say these things but won't come out to vote. I want to say just one thing to such people that if you are not coming out to vote then you don't have the right to complain also, he said.
VIDEO | Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: Former MP Subhash Chandra casts his vote for BMC elections, says, "I participated in Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. People belonging to the higher income group often complain about several things... water supply, roads are not good,… pic.twitter.com/YPjwN2Khdl
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
Union Minister Piyush Goyal was seen leaving after casting his vote in the BMC polls at a polling booth.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal leaves after casting his vote in the BMC polls at a polling booth.#bmcpolls #mumbai #piyushgoyal
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
(Full VIDEO available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/HM1BzJqQHq
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for the BMC elections.
He says, "This is a very important election. It gives us a chance where we can express our opinion through votes. Everyone should come out and cast their votes..."
#watch | Mumbai: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for the BMC elections.
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
He says, "This is a very important election. It gives us a chance where we can express our opinion through votes. Everyone should come out and cast their… https://t.co/a3GAx722A7 pic.twitter.com/dweQFzV796
After casting her vote in the BMC polls, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC says, “With the blessings of Maa Mumbadevi, Ganpati Bappa, and the strong on-ground work of Eknath Shinde, we are confident of Mahayuti’s victory. People are troubled by issues like the environment, potholes, and sewage. Mahayuti has answered all these concerns. Our manifesto is a 100% guarantee plan, and after 2017, Mumbaikars have decided to vote for progress. The Mayor will be from Mahayuti – a Marathi, a Hindu, and someone whose heart beats for Mumbai and its development.”
VIDEO | Mumbai: After casting her vote in the BMC polls, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC says, “With the blessings of Maa Mumbadevi, Ganpati Bappa, and the strong on-ground work of Eknath Shinde, we are confident of Mahayuti’s victory. People are troubled by issues like the… pic.twitter.com/RbyDdkuU9p
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
An 83-year-old woman arrived at the polling station in Mumbai to cast her vote in the BMC elections.
#watch | Maharashtra: An 83-year-old woman arrived at the polling station in Mumbai to cast her vote in the BMC elections. pic.twitter.com/QiXz3Gvqnu
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
A Mumbaikar who came to cast his vote for BMC election, says, "The number we found on the internet does not match here. This is organisational failure... I have to go without casting my vote..."
#watch | Maharashtra | A Mumbaikar who came to cast his vote for BMC election, says, "The number we found on the internet does not match here. This is organisational failure... I have to go without casting my vote..." pic.twitter.com/O7wWU5GVhP
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
Elections to the 29 municipal corporations are being held after a gap of several years, with terms of most of them having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India.
Voting is underway in the following municipal corporations: Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji. - PTI
People queue up to cast their votes at Mount Mary Convent High School during the BMC Election 2026.
VIDEO | Mumbai: People queue up to cast their votes at Mount Mary Convent High School during the BMC Election 2026.#bmc2026 #mumbai #voting
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
(Full VIDEO available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/IX7NvyQlma
Actor Akshay Kumar casts his vote, says, “Today is the BMC election and, as Mumbaikars, this is the day when we have the remote control. Therefore, all the people of Mumbai must come out and vote, rather than complaining later about things not being in good shape. Everyone should vote to elect the right people. If you want to be the real hero of Mumbai, then instead of dialogues, you should come and vote.”
Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shellar casts his vote, says, "It is a very important election for municipal corporation, for development of Mumbai city, for the budget of over Rs 40,000 crore. We have to make our Mumbai a developed Mumbai. I appeal the voters to come out in large numbers... you have the opportunity to teach a lesson to corrupt party of Thackeray."
In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), whose annual budget is over Rs 74, 400 crore, 1,700 candidates are vying for 227 seats in elections being held after nine years, after a four-year delay.
More than 25,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mumbai for the smooth conduct of elections .
These are the first BMC polls since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena when Eknath Shinde, now Deputy Chief Minister, broke away with a majority of the party's MLAs and allied with the BJP to become the chief minister.
The undivided Shiv Sena held sway over India's richest civic body for 25 years (1997-2022). - PTI
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat arrives at Bhauji Daptari School to cast his vote in the BMC polls.
"In a democratic setup, voting is needed to elect the government, and hence it is the duty of every citizen. With balanced opinion and consideration for people’s welfare, it is our duty to vote for the right candidate. It is the first duty of the day, and that is why I came here first to stand in line and vote," Bhagwat said after casting his vote.
VIDEO | Nagpur: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat shows his inked finger after casting his vote in the BMC polls.#bmcpolls #nagpur #rss
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
(Full VIDEO available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Apnqpvf0nU
Ahead of BMC polling, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC urged people to vote in the polls.
“If you don’t vote, you lose your right. This is Mumbai’s most important election since 2017. The Municipal Corporation election matters the most for the city. If you want a pothole-free Mumbai, modern sewage treatment plants, a clean environment, good water supply, and a corruption-free BMC, then come out and vote. Under the Mahayuti leadership, we are confident because of the good work done by our leader. Our aim is to make Mumbai a world-class city and a strong financial and fintech hub for a developed Maharashtra.”
VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC urges people to vote in the BMC polls, saying, “If you don’t vote, you lose your right. This is Mumbai’s most important election since 2017. The Municipal Corporation election matters the most for the city. If you want a pothole-free… pic.twitter.com/fIsGPIk4vW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026
Voters neeed to prepare in advance before they set out to cast their vote.
This includes checking their ward number and polling station address. You will need to carry one valid photo identity document and your voter’s slip, if available, to speed up the verification process.
The voter’s slip is not mandatory, but helps polling staff locate names on the electoral roll faster.
Welcome to our live blog!
The voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election 2026 is set to begin. People have lined in queues to cast their votes.
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