Quick Read
- The 2026 BMC elections in Mumbai were held after a nine-year gap and a four-year delay.
- The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance led with 94 seats in early trends, followed by Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS with 65 and Congress with 11.
- Voter turnout was 52.94% for Mumbai, the second-best since 1992.
- Allegations of electoral irregularities, including missing voter names and use of easily removable marker pens, marred the election.
- The counting process was staggered, leading to delays in final results.
Mumbai, the bustling heart of India, recently concluded its high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, a fiercely contested battle that unfolded after a significant nine-year hiatus and a four-year delay. With an astounding 1,700 candidates vying for 227 wards and control over an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore, the electoral landscape was nothing short of a political maelstrom. As the counting of votes commenced on Friday, January 16, 2026, early trends pointed towards a nail-biting finish, primarily between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the formidable Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS combine, with the Congress party also securing crucial wins.
The initial hours of counting painted a picture of a tight race. The BJP-led Mahayuti, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, consistently maintained a lead, albeit a fluctuating one. Early reports from Times of India indicated Mahayuti leading with 45 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance followed with 26, and Congress with 6. These numbers steadily climbed throughout the day, with Mahayuti reaching 68, then 80, and eventually stabilizing around 94 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, meanwhile, narrowed the gap considerably, moving from 42 to 51, then 64, and finally settling at 65 seats in later trends. Congress also saw its tally grow from 3 to 11, marking its presence in this complex political mosaic.
Allegations and Electoral Undercurrents Mar the Process
Beyond the numbers, the 2026 BMC elections were characterized by a torrent of controversies and logistical challenges that cast a shadow over the democratic process. Voters across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) reported widespread issues, including missing names from electoral rolls and last-minute changes in polling booth locations. Many, including first-time voters, were forced into frustrating rounds of ‘booth-hopping,’ often leaving without casting their ballots. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, for instance, spent nearly an hour locating his name, describing the arrangements as a “mess.”
A primary flashpoint was the State Election Commission’s decision to use marker pens instead of the traditional indelible ink to mark voters. Opposition parties, including MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, vociferously alleged that this new ink could be easily removed, potentially facilitating bogus voting. Raj Thackeray claimed complaints were pouring in from across the state, while Uddhav Thackeray went a step further, demanding the suspension of State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, asserting that “not just the ink, but democracy itself is being wiped out.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed these concerns, pointing to missing names of thousands of people who had voted in previous Assembly elections, particularly in areas strong for Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, or Congress. He also raised doubts about the proper functioning of EVM machines and questioned a meeting between senior BJP leaders and Election Commission staff during the Code of Conduct period. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, however, defended the use of EVMs, stating they had been in use since 2012 and that the opposition was merely “finding excuses” due to anticipated defeat, while stressing the need for transparent elections.
Key Victories and Shifting Fortunes
Amidst the broader trends and controversies, individual ward results provided a clearer picture of localized battles. The BJP secured significant wins, with Ajay Patil triumphing in Ward 214 (Breach Candy) by a substantial margin, Santosh Dhale emerging victorious in Ward 215, and Dipak Tavde retaining Ward 20 with an increased margin. BJP’s Rekha Yadav also clinched Ward 1 (Dahisar), while Tejaswi Ghosalkar won Ward 2 (Dahisar-Borivali).
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction saw Varsha Tendulkar win in Ward 51 (Goregaon) and Rekha Janardan Mhatre from Dombivli Panel 21 (C). MNS candidate Pralhad Parshuram Mhatre also secured a victory in Dombivli Panel 21 (A). Notably, the Congress made its mark with Asha Deepak Kale winning Ward 183 (Dharavi), defeating Shiv Sena’s Vaishali Shewale, sister-in-law of former MP Rahul Shewale, by 1,450 votes. Ashraf Azmi added another Congress win from Ward 165 (Kurla West).
Voter Turnout and the ‘Marathi Manoos’ Plank
Despite the myriad challenges, Mumbai recorded a respectable voter turnout of 52.94%, making it the second-best tally since 1992, although slightly lower than the 55.28% recorded in the 2017 elections. Other civic bodies in the MMR, such as Navi Mumbai (57%) and Thane (54%), also saw decent participation. The campaign itself was marked by heightened polarization, with the ‘Marathi Manoos’ plank playing a central role. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s call for a Marathi and Hindu mayor became a significant talking point, fueling identity politics.
The Dadar-Parel and Worli-Sewri belt, considered the Marathi heartland and home to Shiv Sena Bhavan, emerged as a prestige battleground. Political observers noted a direct face-off between the Shinde-led Sena and the Thackeray cousins, with the Sena (UBT)-MNS combine under immense pressure to maintain its stronghold. The Sena (UBT) also grappled with internal challenges, as several former corporators and leaders defected to rival parties, fracturing traditional vote banks.
Anticipation and the Staggered Counting Process
Exit polls, including those by Axis My India, JVC, and Sakal, largely predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, potentially signaling an end to the Thackeray-led Sena’s three-decade control of the BMC. Mahayuti leaders expressed strong confidence, with Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare asserting that the alliance would secure “more than 150 seats.” However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant remained optimistic, stating, “A Marathi will become the Mayor and the saffron wave will come. Be patient.” AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan also expressed confidence in his party’s success, dismissing exit polls as often inaccurate.
The counting process itself introduced an element of suspense. Unlike 2017, the State Election Commission opted for a phase-wise enumeration, counting votes from only two wards at a time at each of the 23 centers. This staggered approach meant that definitive trends and final results were expected much later, potentially extending well into the evening or beyond. Security arrangements were extensive, with police clearing roads and diverting traffic around counting centers, and strict guidelines from the Election Commission of India were followed.
The 2026 BMC elections, while showcasing the democratic fervor of Mumbai, also laid bare the systemic vulnerabilities and political tensions simmering beneath the surface. The allegations of electoral irregularities, particularly concerning voter rolls and the integrity of the marking process, underscore a critical need for robust electoral reforms to safeguard public trust. While the Mahayuti alliance appears to have gained significant ground, the enduring controversies highlight a challenge not just for the winning parties, but for the very foundations of electoral transparency and accountability in India’s vibrant democracy.