Voting is underway in Maharashtra for elections across 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on Thursday. The polls are a key test for the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the reunited Thackeray factions.
BMC Election Details
A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls, with 55,16,707 male voters, 48,26,509 female voters, and 1,099 other voters. Polling places opened at 7:30 AM and will remain open until 5:30 PM.
Key Dates
The nomination process began on December 23, 2025, and closed on December 30, 2025. The last date for withdrawal of nominations was January 2, 2026, and the final list of candidates was published on January 3, 2026. Vote counting will take place on January 16, 2026.
Political Landscape
The elections are being closely watched as a measure of the strength of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after their alliance. The BJP-led Mahayuti is also vying for control of the BMC, which was previously held by the undivided Shiv Sena for 26 years.
Notable Voters
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote in Nagpur, remarking that choosing the NOTA option indirectly helps promote an unwanted candidate. Union Minister Piyush Goyal and actor Akshay Kumar also cast their votes in Mumbai.
Issues at Stake
Key issues in the BMC elections include monsoon waterlogging, traffic congestion, and air quality. Voters are also focused on addressing persistent potholes and overcrowding in public transport.
Recent Developments
Some voters in Worli reported missing names from the voter list. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of the NOTA option on the election outcome.
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