Maharashtra exit polls highlights: The BJP-led Mahayuti is projected to sweep the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as indicated by a majority of exit polls. According to pollsters, while the reunited Thackerays managed to consolidate Maratha voters, they failed to make inroads with North and South Indian communities, who appeared to have voted overwhelmingly for the BJP.
The Congress remains a distant third, with pollsters predicting just 12–16 seats for the Grand Old Party.
Voting held in 29 corporations
Twenty-nine municipal corporations across the western state went to the polls today, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena contested the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto.
Over 15000 candidates were in fray
A total of 3.48 crore voters were eligible to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 15,908 candidates contesting 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. A total of 39092 Polling centre has been set up across the state.
Disclaimer: Exit polls are based on post-voting interviews and are intended to provide a projection of the possible outcome. They are not actual results. The final official tally will be announced by the Election Commission of India after the formal counting of votes on January 16, 2026.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Phase-wise Vote Counting May Delay BMC Poll Results
Counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will begin at 10 am on Friday across 23 centres in Mumbai, but officials have warned that results may be declared later than usual due to a phase-wise counting process.
Only Two Wards to Be Counted at a Time
Unlike the 2017 elections, when votes from all 227 wards were counted simultaneously, the BMC will this time count votes from only two wards at a time. As a result, counting will initially begin for just 46 wards, delaying the availability of trends across all seats.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani acknowledged that the new system could slow the process by around an hour. “It may take an hour longer than usual,” he said.
The civic body has deployed 2,299 staff for the exercise and arranged CCTV surveillance, security, traffic management, and medical facilities. Elections were held for 227 wards, with 1,700 candidates contesting to form the civic body, whose 2025-26 budget stands at ₹74,400 crore.
Maharashtra polls LIVE: Bogus voting and cash distribution allegations surface from Pune and Ahilyanagar
Maharashtra saw clashes among groups, allegations of bogus voting and distribution of cash as well as glitches in EVMs.
Officials, however, insisted there was no serious incident in Mumbai, the largest of these corporations and the most closely fought.
Maharashtra Polls LIVE: Over 15,000 candidates were in fray
According to the State Election Commission, a total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 15,908 candidates contesting 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. A total of 39092 Polling centre has been set up across the state.
The “poll of polls,” an average of six major exit polls, projects a decisive win for the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance in the BMC elections, estimating around 132 seats in their favour. The alliance led by Uddhav Thackeray and the MNS is expected to secure approximately 65 seats, reflecting a significant gap between the two political blocs.
Maharashtra Exit Polls LIVE: Sakal Exit Poll Predictions for BMC Elections
The Sakal exit poll for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections projects a clear lead for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, which is expected to secure 119 seats. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, along with NCP (SP) and MNS, is forecasted to win 75 seats, while Congress is likely to bag 20 seats.
Alliance-wise seat projection:
BJP alliance: 119
Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance: 75
Congress: 20
The Janmat exit poll has projected a decisive victory for the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance, which is expected to emerge as the clear front-runner with 138 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance is estimated to secure 59 seats, while the Congress–VBA combine is projected to win 23 seats. Others are likely to account for seven seats.
In terms of vote share, the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance is forecast to garner between 42 and 45 per cent of the votes. The Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS combine is expected to follow with a vote share in the range of 34 to 37 per cent. The Congress–VBA alliance is projected to receive 13 to 15 per cent of the votes, while other parties may together account for around 6 to 8 per cent.
Maharashtra Exit Polls LIVE: JVC exit poll projects clear edge for BJP-led Mahayuti
The JVC exit poll has predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, projecting it to secure 138 seats. In contrast, the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray is expected to win 59 seats.
According to the poll estimates, the Congress is likely to bag 23 seats, while other parties and independents may account for the remaining seven seats.
Seat projection snapshot:
BJP-led Mahayuti: 138
Shiv Sena (UBT): 59
Congress: 23
Others: 7
Maharashtra exit polls (BMC polls): Axis My India - Aaj Tak
Total wards: 227
BJP+: 131–151
UBT+: 58–68
Congress+: 12–16
Others: 6–12
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Milind Deora says voters want accountability, backs Mahayuti
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Thursday expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance, saying voters understand that only the ruling coalition can ensure accountability and justice for Mumbai as polling is underway for the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Speaking to ANI, Deora said the BMC, India’s largest and richest civic body, has been at the centre of emotional and divisive campaigning, but voters are focused on real issues. “The common people of Mumbai want change. They know that for the last 25 years, two families have looted Mumbai and the municipal corporation,” he said.
Deora added that making the civic body answerable to citizens requires alignment between the state and the Centre. “If we want the BMC to be more accountable, people know that the Mahayuti government, which is in power both at the Centre and in Maharashtra, is the only one that can deliver justice to the people,” he said.
Polling for the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra began at 7.30 am and will continue till 5.30 pm. As of 1.30 pm, the overall voter turnout across the 29 civic bodies stood at 29.22 per cent. Counting of votes is scheduled for Friday, January 16.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Arvind Sawant welcomes Thackeray cousins’ reunion, urges citizens to vote
As Mumbai voted in the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant welcomed the coming together of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, calling it a “stroke of luck”.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Sawant said he was delighted by the political reunion of the Thackeray cousins, describing it as a significant moment after two decades. “I am very happy. The greatest stroke of luck today is that for the first time, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together,” he said.
Sawant said the alliance could have a strong impact on Mumbai’s civic politics and appealed to citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Stressing the importance of voter turnout, he urged people to step out and vote, saying, “Every voter must exercise their right to vote.”
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: 41 per cent voter turnout till 3.30 pm
Around 41.08 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections within the first eight hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
According to a BMC spokesperson, the overall voter turnout stood at 41.08 per cent at 3.30 pm, reflecting steady participation across the city. Polling began at 7.30 am in all 227 wards amid tight security arrangements and is scheduled to continue until 5.30 pm.
Among the wards, Ward No. 114 in suburban Bhandup registered the highest turnout at 53.34 per cent, indicating strong voter engagement in the area. In contrast, Ward No. 227 in South Mumbai’s Colaba recorded the lowest turnout at 15.73 per cent, officials said.
Election authorities are closely monitoring the voting process, with additional measures in place to ensure smooth polling and voter safety across Mumbai.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Voters, polling staff flag booth changes and poorly printed electoral rolls in BMC elections
Several Mumbai residents on Thursday reported problems while trying to vote in the ongoing civic elections, citing issues such as changes in polling booths and difficulty locating their names on physical electoral rolls. Confusion prevailed at multiple polling stations as voters moved between helpdesks to verify their details, particularly during the morning hours.
Election staff and party workers echoed voters’ concerns, saying the electoral lists provided to them had poorly printed photographs, complicating identity verification. Some officials said faded images and unclear details slowed down the process and added to the chaos at polling centres.
Many voters complained that long-standing polling booths had been shifted or merged without adequate prior communication, leading to delays and frustration. Several polling stations across the city witnessed similar scenes, with queues forming as people sought clarification on booth locations and voter lists.
Around 30 per cent of eligible voters had turned out to cast their ballots by 1.30 pm on Thursday in the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The polling saw participation from several prominent political leaders and Bollywood celebrities, many of whom appealed to citizens to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Shinde rejects ink tampering claims, says EC ensuring free and fair polls
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday dismissed allegations of indelible ink tampering in the ongoing local body elections, asserting that “free and fair polling” is being ensured across the state. Responding to claims by MNS chief Raj Thackeray that a new pen had replaced indelible ink, Shinde said the same ink has been used for years and adequate safeguards are in place.
After casting his vote in Thane, Shinde said he had spoken to the Election Commission, which assured him that precautions had been taken to prevent fraudulent voting. Addressing concerns over an EVM malfunction at a polling station, he said records were being maintained and necessary arrangements made.
Shinde also hit out at the opposition, accusing them of making allegations to mask an impending defeat. He urged voters to participate in large numbers, calling high turnout vital for democracy.
Polling for the BMC, India’s richest civic body, began Thursday after an eight-year gap, with over 1.03 crore voters eligible.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Uddhav Thackeray questions delay in Maharashtra municipal polls
"It should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid. The Mumbai municipal elections are being held after a nine-year gap. What were the Election Commissioner and his staff doing for these years? Action should be taken against them," Uddhav Thackeray said.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Eknath Shinde calls for 'transparent' elections, says Opposition 'finding excuses'
"We are fighting the elections on the agenda of development. I talked to the Election Commission, and they said we have been using EVMs since 2012, and they (opposition) know they will face defeat, which is why they are finding excuses. But the elections must be transparent and the Election Commission should arrange for it," the Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister said.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Aamir Khan shows inked finger after voting in Mumbai | Video
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Ramdas Athawale 'fully confident that our victory is assured'
"Today is the day of the Municipal Corporation elections in Mumbai... I have cast my vote with my family... We are fully confident that our victory is assured. Our democracy is very strong. Every single vote matters... Every person should vote," said Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Voters scramble to find polling station in Nagpur
Voters in the Chandramani Nagar area were left baffled after finding no name at all on reaching their typical polling station. Resident Sandesh Hazar told Loksatta that the site used during previous elections had been changed. Limited information was available about the change, and it took a long time to get things clarified.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Raj Thackeray casts vote, accuses SEC of bias
MNS president Raj Thackeray cast his vote in the Mumbai civic polls and accused the State Election Commission of bias --- claiming the entire administration was being misused by the government to secure victory in the polls. Thackeray cast his vote in the Dadar area, accompanied by his family members, including his mother Kunda.
He targeted the State Election Commission over the use of the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit in the civic polls. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alleged that SEC had not even bothered to give any clarification on the use of PADU and extended the canvassing time to allow distribution of money (by ruling parties). He further claimed that the ink mark on the finger after casting a vote can be easily wiped off with sanitiser.
"They (the government) don't want the Opposition parties. The entire administration is being run by the government (to win the polls). This is not the sign of a healthy democracy. There is a limit to misuse of power," Thackeray said.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: NCP-SP's Rohit Pawar slams 'deliberate strategy to ensure...'
"People's polling booths have been placed far apart, which will prevent many people from voting. In Mumbai, Ganesh Naik, a minister, doesn't even have his name on the voter list at the booth where it should be, and his family members' names are scattered across different locations. If this is the situation for a leader in power, imagine the plight of the common people. This situation has been created so that people cannot vote against the BJP; it seems like a deliberate strategy, and that's what we all believe," alleged NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Owaisi urges voters to come forward
"The public should come forward and exercise their right to vote in the municipal elections being held in Maharashtra. This gives you a good opportunity to express your likes and dislikes... We hope the results will be positive," said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: BJP minister turned away from polling booth in Navi Mumbai
Maharashtra Forest Minister and senior BJP leader Ganesh Naik said he was unable to vote in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls as his name was missing from the voters’ list. He has blamed the State Election Commission for the gaffe.
“I have been voting for many years at Navi Mumbai School No. 94 along with my family members, but this time I was told that voting would take place at St Mary’s High School. When I went there, there was no room number 9 as informed, and my name was not on the voters’ list, so I could not cast my vote,” Indian Express quoted Naik as telling reporters.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Voting percentage till 9:30 am
According to details accessed by the Indian Express, here is the voting percentage till 9:30 am:
Mumbai - 6.98%
Thane - 8%
KDMC - 7.21%
Vasai Virar - 8.49%
Nashik – 6.51%
Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar – 7%
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Pune voters can search for names, check poll booth location via special portal
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Senior citizens cast vote in BMC elections | Watch
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: Nitin Gadkari votes in Nagpur, predicts BJP victory
"I am hopeful that BJP will win the election. We will work on our resolve to make Nagpur the cleanest and most pollution-free city in the world. Voting is our fundamental right, and we should use it. I appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes in large numbers... We need to improve the system of voting, only then the voting percentage can increase," the Union Minister said.
According to an update shared by ANI, voter turnout till 9:30 am stood at 7.12% for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election.
Maharashtra Civic Polls LIVE: 'Raj Thackeray has conceded defeat' says BJP's Ashish Shelar
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar claimed on Thursday that MNS chief Raj Thackeray had already accepted his party's defeat in the Mumbai civic polls and was blaming the State Election Commission for passing the buck. Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray have raised objections over the use of Printing Auxiliary Display Units (PADU) during the civic elections underway on Thursday.
PADU is being used in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls for the first time to facilitate vote counting in the event of technical glitches in electronic voting machines . BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had earlier said these would act as backup units and remain with Returning Officers like other EVMs --- to be used only in case of emergency.
To a question,
"I appeal to voters to come forward and vote in large numbers for progress and development. This is an opportunity to teach a lesson to (Uddhav) Thackeray and his way of running the BMC...When the vote counting is over tomorrow, you will see a tsunami in favour of the (BJP-led) Mahayuti here," he told reporters.