Exit Polls Signal Strong Victory for BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance in Mumbai’s BMC Polls

Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra concluded on January 15, 2026. The State Election Commission scheduled vote counting to commence on January 16, with the BMC—India’s wealthiest civic body—drawing particular attention amid a high-stakes contest.

State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare reported an overall voter turnout in the 46-50% range for the 29 civic bodies, marking an improvement over the 2017 polls. In Mumbai, turnout figures were tracked progressively, with reports indicating around 41% by mid-afternoon on polling day.

A notable controversy emerged during voting when viral videos appeared to show voters easily removing ink marks from their fingers using substances like acetone. Waghmare addressed the issue, clarifying that the ink used was the standard indelible variety supplied in marker form, consistent with Election Commission practices. He stated that the videos were under investigation and cautioned against narratives aimed at creating confusion, emphasizing that tampering with ink marks constitutes an offence.

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All major exit polls forecasted a decisive lead for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance (part of the Mahayuti coalition) in the BMC. According to the Axis My India exit poll, the alliance was projected to secure between 131 and 151 seats out of 227, with an estimated 42% vote share. In contrast, the opposition alliance comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and NCP (SP)—led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray—was expected to win 58-68 seats and around 32% of the vote. Other projections, including from sources aggregated in media reports, similarly pointed to a clear majority for the BJP-led grouping, with smaller shares anticipated for Congress-led fronts and independents.